Instagram Winners - Rule of Thirds
/Hitting the fundamentals this week, your goal for composition had you looking to shoot with the rule of thirds. A learning point for some while a bit of practice for others always is great for brushing up on your skills. While mainly landscapes we had some nicely done portraits and other shots that fit the challenge well! For next week’s challenge, you’ll be tackling portraits for a change of pace. Portraits, or a self-portrait, can be tricky as we’re dealing with people. Compared to some of the other subjects we can pick up errors in shooting people quite easily. It’s a harder subject but one you have to get down as eventually, you’ll have to take a photo of a person at some point. Also sorry, introverts, you can do a self-portrait. Watch our helpful videos on this and how to get picture-perfect lighting:
As a reminder, the Lightroom Tutorial Pack has a great tutorial on basic portrait retouching when it comes to doing your editing for this week’s challenge. Also one of the perks for becoming a PRTV member as well. To enter post your photos on Instagram before noon next Friday with the tags #PRTV and #PRTV_portraits.
You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv
And the team!Toby – @Photorectoby Roy – @RoyMcKeeIII Rose - @Randomcreativeart
Toby’s Winner:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRDp3N7FYhi/Hits all the points of interest and leads the eye nicely following the rule of thirds.
Toby’s Honorable Mentions:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BREMr6GDNbm/ Love the use of negative space to balance.https://www.instagram.com/p/BRFKtLUj40A/Similar to the last one, the eyes hit those power points and the cat creates negative space to balance.
Roy’s Winner:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ6u2VyjTIW/You're roughly breaking the foreground into ⅔’s while nicely leading up to the bridge making the last third of your frame. It’s a nice shot.
Roy’s Honorable Mentions:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRCXnpsjHV3/A nicely lit portrait and it follows the rule of thirds well. Usually holding arms like that detracts but keeping them a bit open makes for a nice friendly pose. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRDp3N7FYhi/A great composition with a lot leading to the mountains focal point but putting that focus on the right third of your photo balances the weight nicely.
DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses are expensive. You want to buy great gear, but you don't want to break the bank. Buying used camera equipment allows you save money without compromising quality. However, it's important to be careful when purchasing used camera bodies and lenses. Before you load up your shopping cart and check out, take some time to familiarize yourself with the process of shopping for used gear online. Following a few key tips ensures you'll get a good deal on high-quality equipment and that if you don't, you'll be able to return it and get a refund.I got inspired to write about this topic after I saved $300 on a near perfect condition copy of the 
Instagram Albums, a small but important update is rolling out today giving users access to a simple album feature finally. You'll now have the option to upload up to 10 photos and videos under one post. When you see an album icon on a post it will look somewhat the same as before but you'll now be able to swipe left and right to view other photos and video.The update technically means fewer posts, which means less reach. Important photos you want out should still be separate posts on Instagram to get more eyes on them. If you have a metric ton of photos from a shoot or have a few that go in a set it's a new way to share them out without spamming your feed but we wouldn't suggest this for everyday use. You now have the option to think out of the box for other creative ideas such as before and after editing.Watch the video below for a demo, you simply select the bottom right album symbol in the photo selection. You then have the option to choose multiple photos or videos. The post will have one caption for all the items, unlike Facebook for example, and you're limited to square aspect ratio. For those that use filters, you will have the option to apply one to the whole set or apply different filters to specific photos.https://player.vimeo.com/video/204951185 
The Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary is a state-of-the-art telephoto zoom that brings a new level of portability and quality to the super telephoto market. Touting Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS), the Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 Contemporary is highly compact and lightweight compared to similar products on this market. A push/pull zooming function and a new Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) allow for a more responsive approach to photography while a 1:3.8 macro feature can be utilized from up close or from a further distance.Physical Specs -Weight 2.56 lb (1160 g)Diameter 86 mm (3.4″)Length 182 mm (7.18″)Sealing Yesfor comparison the 
The Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG HSM OS Art is a premium workhorse zoom lens designed for the latest high megapixel DSLRs. A constant aperture of 2.8 through the zoom range make this a highly versatile tool and a brand new Optical Stabilization (OS) system help compensate for camera shake. Though a common focal length, the Sigma 24-70mm Art brings a new level of usability and durability featuring a rugged metal barrel and an emphasis on image quality. Building off the experience from the 12-24mm Art, the aspherical elements used in the 24-70mm 2.8 OS Art undergo a highly precise level of polishing producing elements thicker in the center then on the edges. This process creates stunning image quality and beautiful circular bokeh.Canon does not have a stabilized 24-70 f/2.8 and I suspect this new ART lens will be as sharp as Canon's current 24-70 f/2.8 L and it offers stabilization and it will likely be cheaper. Downsides? I don't see any right now as long as this lens is up to the standard of Sigma's existing ART series line. It even has a slightly smaller front filter size 80mm vs 82mm in the Canon. On price I suspect somewhere around $1400 slightly more expensive than the Tamron version. I expect this ART to be much better than the Tamron.
The Sigma 135mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is a medium telephoto prime lens designed for modern high megapixel DSLRs. A new large Hyper Sonic Motor produces significant torque to the focusing group for better speed while the acceleration sensor detects the position of the lens and compensates for such factors as gravity to help aid in focusing performance. This state-of-the-art prime lens touts a dust and splash proof construction for guaranteed performance in any condition and its large 1.8 Fstop allows for more creative control over imagery. A stunning compression effect make the Sigma 135m 1.8 Art the ideal portrait lens while its large aperture help with event photography and much more.This seems very similar in size and weight to the 
The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is the world's first 1.8 prime lens at the 14mm focal length. This fast wide prime features the same large aspherical element touted in the Sigma 12-24mm F4 Art to control distortion and create stunning imagery. An updated Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and accurate autofocus while 3 Premium FLD and 4 SLD glass elements control chromatic aberration and sagittal comma flare. Building on the highly reputable Art line, the Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is designed to resolve the latest high megapixel DSLR sensors.This lens is an astrophotographers dream! That is of course hoping it is at the level of their other ART series lenses and minimizes distortion. To have a full frame lens as fast as f/1.8 gives you some awesome flexibility when shooting the night sky. Also useful for low light receptions and documentary work. Guess - $1100.00 
New lens elements (UD Glass) gives you sharper results at an economical price point with better light disbursement over its predecessors and cheaper than fluorite glass elements typically found in high-end zoom lenses. While it softens in the corners just a touch and has a variable 4-5.6 max open aperture as cons, the savings and versatility in video mode make this my new go to kit tele-zoom lens.We all know that shooting distances in photo mode can be tricky and it gets even more complicated in video mode. Capturing a professional result that is not too shaky or not sharp enough can often be difficult when dealing with older zoom lenses. Because Canon DSLR’s often leave the IS up to lens to do the work having this much stabilization will be a game changer when shooting run and gun close ups especially in 4k video mode on the 5D Mk iv (pushes the focal length over 400mm).
In a two camera shoot having a reliable B-cam on close-ups that can publish smooth cutaways can make or break the final outcome of a short form advertisement or YouTube video. Also having a digital display that can give you quick reference on focal length (Which updates for APS-C cameras), aperture and more is the next step in lens evolution.Lastly, saving on space and weight can be a nice addition when traveling and trying to make it in those shrinking overhead bins. As sensor technology continues to expand almost daily it's nice to see that the lenses have started to get some new tech as well.
With the Nikon D5600 now available for the US and Canon T7i available for pre-order it's that time again for a bit of a comparison. At one point, Nikon had put on a good showing with the D5300 leading the market for photography while our video recommendation had been going to the Canon T5i. Since then Nikon camera's have been stagnating under minor updates while the T7i got a decent upgrade in processing, sensor, connectivity, and focus certainly pushing it closer to the top of our list.
A new year and new Canons to match with the newly announced Canon T7i (800D) and 77D (9000D). Odd's are you're wondering a bit where the 77D fits in, both Toby and I have been asked a lot this week. On paper, it's a replacement to the T6S as a bridge camera between the entry level T7i and 80D. While making the product line and obscure Canon naming just slightly harder it makes things a bit more drawn out with the bare bones budget T6, the new entry level T7i for beginners, the 77D making a step up with video, then going to the 80D as a truly semi-pro platform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpERpJG7VDYAnd an updated mirrorless camera! SO Canon just announced - a Canon T7i (800D), a 77D (9000D) and the M6 (mirrorless camera) - If you are trying to figure out where the new 77D fits in the line up you are not alone - I have had a handful of confused readers write in over the last week, based on our post about the leaked specs, asking what the Canon 77D offers vs the Canon 80D. I have a quick comparison below but briefly the 77D is the successor to the T6s and the T7i is the successor to the Canon T6i. Canon will continue to offer the T6i making their line of Rebels quite large with a T5, T6, Sl1, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7i, 70D, 77D, 80D ALL still being offered/sold.. That's quite the lineup. The big headline - DUAL PIXEL AF is in the new cameras!! That is the fast and smooth AF during live view - immensely helpful for video and makes using live view a much more pleasant experience. Additionally Canon has shrunk the T7i a bit more, this makes me think we will not see a SL2 anytime soon.A quick comparison of the two new DSLRS the T7i and the 77D with the older T6i/T6s and the 80D. below the chart I have a few more differences between the 77D and the T7i and some recommendations about which you might want to buy.
Canon 77D(left) vs Canon T7i(right) top view
Depending on the speed and size of the snowflakes your results may vary slightly but experiment and see what works best for your scene and the mood you are trying to convey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LER6RFkkj68 
Shape bokeh is a fun way to add a creative flare to your DSLR photography. You can create shape bokeh with any DSLR camera and prime lens. Many photographers use a 50mm lens for shape bokeh photography (which is what I used for this post), but don't feel limited this option.For the upcoming Valentine's Day, I'm sharing DIY heart shaped bokeh! The first step is to create a heart bokeh filter for your prime lens. Trace the lens you're going to use on black construction paper or card stock. Cut out the circle. Punch or cut out a heart in the center of the circle. If you're using a paper punch, you may need to fold the edge of the circle to center the punch.I cut the circle small enough that I can fit it right on the lens as you see pictured below. I have always used this method for shape bokeh with no problems. Some photographers create a paper cylinder or paper handles to attach to the bokeh filter, which works well, too.
The second step is to gather your supplies. In addition to the heart filter, you'll need Christmas lights or another light source that will create bokeh. You'll also need a light source for your subjects. The ambient room lighting may work just fine. A speedlite works well, too. I have a couple of 
The fourth step is to dial in your camera settings. Switch your DSLR camera to manual mode. Open your aperture as wide as possible. I shot with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, so I set my aperture to 1.8. Then I set my shutter speed to 1/80. The subject lighting source you use will determine the best ISO for the particular shot. I used a few different lighting setups, so my ISO is not the same for every shot. In some instances, it's as low as 200 while for other shots, I dialed it up to 400 or 800.Attach your homemade heart bokeh filter to your prime lens. Keep in mind when you shoot in portrait orientation, you'll have to rotate your heart filter accordingly. Otherwise, the hearts will be sideways!You're ready to start creating heart bokeh! I recommend trying a few shots of the bokeh alone to get comfortable with your camera settings. Heart bokeh is beautiful on its own. You may create some photos of it that you really love. Try switching your lens to manual focus and experiment with creating hearts in different sizes.
One popular bokeh background technique is to make is look as though the bokeh is coming right out of a glass, jar, or vase. You'll have to position your lights carefully, so the hearts match up with the glass or jar. You can edit a few stray hearts out of the background, but the more you do to position the lights properly, the less editing you'll have to do.I started with a heart mug because it seemed fitting to have the hearts coming out of a heart mug for Valentine's Day.
A clear glass or vase also works well because it looks like the hearts are right in the glass. In this first shot, I used a clear stemless wine glass.
I absolutely love colored glass and have a number of colored Ball jars and other glass pieces around my house. I used a blue Ball jar for a few shots because I love pairing turquoise and red. Green or purple glass would be so pretty, too.
I added a string of fairy lights to the Ball jar to bring a little more light into the shot and get some hearts right in the jar. I purposely made this shot a little fuzzy to get the fairy light hearts to pop and to heighten the whimsical aesthetic.
Playing around with my blue Ball jar was so much fun I decided to create a shot with it with a regular red bokeh background. The fun of a bokeh setup is that there are so many possibilities. If you have an idea for a shot, give it a try!
I've seen a few similar images to the book image I've shared below and was excited to try this technique myself. I switched up the red Christmas lights for a pastel strand. I tried shooting with a few different books and liked the results best with a larger book because you can see more bokeh IN the heart. Larger pages also make it easier to get some color on the top interior of the hearts, as you see below. My favorite shot worked best as a square crop, but a wider landscape composition is perfect for a heart book shot as well.You may need to tape your pages into place, particularly if you use a book with glossy pages like I did. Painter's tape is ideal because it's less likely to damage the pages than something like packing tape. I would still remove the tape (carefully!) as soon as you're finished with your photography.
Over the last couple months, I've bought a few new items for photography shoots, including a set of Scrabble letters. I create a lot of styled shoots for different seasons and holidays for 
Finally, I created a little wedding setup with a couple Playmobile figures. My husband and I used this set for our wedding cake topper, so I'm a little biased in my preference for this shot. BUT I'm really happy with the overall composition and the lighting on the figures.
Again, a DIY heart shaped bokeh background is so versatile. It allows for endless fun possibilities for creative photography. I've included a couple more red non-heart bokeh background examples. The first one features the Canon FD 28mm f/2.8 lens, which I use with a Canon AE-1.
The second one features one of my husband's Warhammer figures. You'll have to make up your own story as to why he's riding a tank with a red bokeh background behind him.
