Age Old Debate RAW vs Compressed file's when shooting Digitally, lets dive in.

 Shooting in RAW format vs compressed format is a key consideration for photographers, as it affects the quality and flexibility of the final image. Many sit on both sides of this discussion. Lets talk about what is Raw, Compressed, and then finally what choice should you make?

What is RAW?

RAW format is an uncompressed, unprocessed image file that captures all the data from the camera's sensor. This format provides the highest level of detail and color accuracy, as well as the most flexibility in post-processing. Photographers can adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings without any loss of quality, as the image has not been compressed or processed in any way.

What is Compressed?

On the other hand, compressed formats, such as JPEG, are smaller in file size and are processed in-camera, with settings such as exposure, white balance, and sharpness applied automatically. While this can save time and storage space, the image quality is reduced, as some data is lost during the compression process. Additionally, once a JPEG image is saved, any changes made to the image result in further degradation of the image quality.

If you want full control of your shot then shooting in RAW format offers the greatest degree of control and image quality. Making it the preferred choice for professional photographers. However, compressed formats are more convenient for everyday use and are better suited for quick sharing and online use, but they sacrifice some image quality and flexibility in exchange. Ultimately, the choice between RAW and compressed formats depends on the photographer's individual needs and the intended use of the images. 

While other considerations could be looked at like the type of equipment you use, or the storage solution you use, it will always come down to the photographers preference. We shoot in RAW all the time everyday, but that might just not be right for everyone and we understand that and we see you. So next time you witness someone going on about how it is the only way to do it, just agree that it does have it's benefits, but it is just not for you. 

Let us know your thoughts.

Cheers! 

Top 5 Software Tools for Photographers and why!

Curious about software? Do you wonder man, I think my shots are great, but you don't know what to do after that? Here we list 5 of the top software tools that Photographers keep going back to time and time again. Many of the software suites have been around in some form or another for more then five years. Which in software world makes them nearly immortal. Any way, check them out and let us know if there is something else that should be on this list.

Our TOP 5 Software Suites for Photographers:

1.  Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for photo editing and manipulation. It is the go-to tool for many photographers and graphic designers, providing a wide range of features and capabilities. With Photoshop, you can perform tasks such as retouching, color correction, compositing, and image manipulation. It also offers a large selection of filters and effects that can be applied to your photos to give them a unique look and feel. The program also offers a robust selection of tools for working with layers and masks, which can be extremely useful for compositing and making selections.
2. Lightroom: Lightroom is a photo management and editing software developed by Adobe. It is a more streamlined and efficient alternative to Photoshop for photographers who need to organize and edit large collections of images. Lightroom allows you to import, organize, and edit your photos in a catalog system, making it easy to search for specific images and work with large numbers of photos at once. The editing features in Lightroom are more focused on photo adjustments and color correction, making it a good choice for photographers who want to process large quantities of photos quickly and efficiently.
3. Capture One: Capture One is a professional photo editing software designed specifically for RAW images. It is known for its exceptional color rendering and accurate color correction, making it a popular choice among professional photographers. The software offers a wide range of tools for adjusting exposure, color, and tone, as well as a powerful masking and selection toolset. The software also provides a wide range of creative effects and styles that can be applied to your photos, making it easy to create unique and stunning images.
4. GIMP: GIMP is an open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It is a free software tool that provides many of the same features and capabilities as Photoshop, making it a popular choice for photographers who are on a budget or who prefer to use open-source software. GIMP offers a wide range of tools for photo editing, retouching, and manipulation, including a powerful selection and masking toolset. The software also provides a variety of filters and effects that can be applied to your photos to give them a unique look and feel.
5. Corel PaintShop Pro: Corel PaintShop Pro is a budget-friendly photo editing software that provides many of the same features and capabilities as Adobe Photoshop. It is a good choice for photographers who want a full-featured photo editing software but do not want to spend the money on a more expensive program like Photoshop. PaintShop Pro offers a wide range of tools for photo editing, retouching, and manipulation, including a powerful selection and masking toolset. The software also provides a variety of filters and effects that can be applied to your photos to give them a unique look and feel.

There you have it, the top 5 software tools for photographers are Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, GIMP, and Corel PaintShop Pro. Each of these tools offers unique features and capabilities that make them well suited for different types of photographers and different stages of the photo editing process. Whether you are a professional photographer looking for a full-featured editing tool, or a hobbyist looking for a budget-friendly option, there is a software tool out there that will meet your needs.

Let us know in the comments if you think we missed anything. 

Cheers!

Do you dream of clicking? Some suggestions for starting your own photography business.

Do you dream of starting your own business? Perhaps you're just a beginner or perhaps at an older age you decided to dedicate your life to photography as an art doing one off jobs for friends or family. Either way it pays to get your ducks in a row.

Did you ever think about what you're introduction paragraph for your photography business would be? 

Does this sound like you? 

"Welcome to [Business Name], a photography business dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of life's special moments. With a passion for photography and a keen eye for detail, I aim to create images that tell a unique story and preserve memories for generations to come. Whether you're looking for a skilled photographer to capture a wedding, family portrait, or corporate event, I am committed to providing exceptional service and delivering high-quality results that exceed your expectations."

Do the ideals above capture you're perspective and you want to give it a go? Well, here we list out 9 tips or things to consider when starting your business.

1. Develop your skills and style: Take courses, workshops or find a mentor to help you improve your photography skills.
2. Define your niche and target market: Determine the type of photography you want to specialize in and who your target audience is.
3. Build a portfolio: Showcase your best work to attract potential clients.
4. Create a business plan: Outline your business goals, strategies, and finances.
5. Obtain necessary licenses and insurance: Register your business and obtain any necessary permits and insurance.
6. Choose a name and brand: Choose a name that represents your brand and create a logo, website and social media presence.
7. Market your business: Use various marketing techniques such as networking, advertising and referral marketing to attract clients.
8. Establish your pricing: Determine how much to charge for your services and package options.
9. Invest in equipment and technology: Purchase the necessary photography equipment and technology to deliver high-quality work.

Remember, starting a business takes time, effort and dedication, so be prepared to put in the work to make it successful. 

See you in the next one!

Cheers!

Why I switched to a mirrorless camera

 Canon EOS and Canon EOS Mirrorless are both great cameras, but they each have their own unique features and benefits. 

Here are some reasons why one might switch from a Canon EOS to a Canon EOS Mirrorless:

1. Size and weight: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras are typically smaller and lighter than their Canon EOS counterparts, making them easier to carry and travel with.
2. Improved autofocus: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras often have better autofocus systems, allowing for quicker and more accurate focusing, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Electronic viewfinder: The electronic viewfinder (EVF) in Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras provides a real-time preview of the exposure and other settings, making it easier to achieve the desired results.
4. Faster burst shooting: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras often have faster burst shooting speeds, allowing for quicker capture of action shots.
5. Improved video capabilities: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras often have better video capabilities, including 4K video and improved audio recording, making them a great choice for videographers.
6. More versatile lenses: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras use a different lens mount than Canon EOS cameras, providing access to a wider range of lenses that can be used with the camera.
7. Customizable controls: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras often have more customizable controls and settings, allowing for greater customization and personalization of the shooting experience.
8. Cost: Canon EOS Mirrorless cameras are often less expensive than their Canon EOS counterparts, making them a more affordable option for photographers on a budget.
9. Backward compatibility regarding lenses from canon EOS DSLR with minimal functional loss with the use of an adaptor

Ultimately, the choice between a Canon EOS and a Canon EOS Mirrorless will depend on the individual's style. Both technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision will come down to what features are most important to the photographer, for me it was a no brainer. 

What would you do? 

Cheers!

What Skills do you need to be a Photographer? Here's 10 that will help out

Since the introduction of this device, we have seen skills, technology, and expectations grow regarding how to be a photographer.  

On January 7, 1839, members of the French Académie des Sciences were shown products of an invention that would forever change the nature of visual representation: photography. - Daguerre (1787–1851) and the Invention of Photography

Here is a list 10 skills that will help you perfect your craft and assist with having a successful business:

1.  Technical proficiency: Understanding of lighting, exposure, composition, camera settings and techniques, lenses, and editing software.
2. Creativity: Ability to see beyond the obvious and produce unique and engaging images.
3. Attention to detail: Keen eye for composition, lighting, and color.
4. Communication skills: Ability to communicate with clients, models, and other team members to create a vision and bring it to life.
5. Business acumen: Understanding of marketing, pricing, and financial management to run a successful photography business.
6. Adaptability: Openness to new technologies, techniques, and trends.
7. Flexibility: Willingness to work in different environments and adjust to changing circumstances.
8. Networking: Building connections and relationships with clients, models, and other photographers to grow one's business.
9. Time management: Ability to effectively plan and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
10. Passion: A genuine love and enthusiasm for photography and the creative process.

Ultimately, at the end of the day the qualities of a photographer depend upon that person and their perspective. What they want to share with the world or keep as their own personal keep sake is a motivation, but not the only one. What do you think makes a good photographer? 

Love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers!

10 Trends for the future of Photography

Photography has undergone massive transformation over the past few decades. It continues to do so with advances in technology. The future of photography is unknown, but here are some trends we see popping up more and more every day

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will play a significant role in shaping the future of photography. These technologies will help automate tasks such as object recognition, image editing, and categorization, leading to better image quality and faster processing.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will become increasingly popular, providing new ways for photographers to interact with their work and tell stories in a more immersive way.
3. 5G technology will drive faster image processing and real-time image sharing, enabling photographers to take and share images from remote locations with ease.
4. Wearable technology such as smart glasses and watches will provide new opportunities for photographers to capture images from different perspectives.
5. Drones will continue to evolve and become more widely used for aerial photography and videography, providing new opportunities for capturing unique images from above.
6. Increased use of Cloud storage will make it easier for photographers to store, manage and access their images from anywhere in the world.
7. Advances in image processing algorithms will allow for improved image quality and the creation of images that were previously not possible.
8. Customizable cameras with interchangeable lenses, sensor, and processors will become more popular, allowing photographers to tailor their equipment to specific needs and styles.
9. Increased use of 360-degree cameras and other specialized cameras such as time-lapse cameras and high-speed cameras will become more common.
10. Sustainable and ethical photography practices will continue to grow, with photographers seeking out environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways to capture and share images.

These trends will likely shape the future of photography in exciting new ways, providing photographers with new tools, techniques, and opportunities to capture and share their vision with the world.

Lets hear from you! What are you're thoughts on the future of Photography?

Cheers!