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The Best Lens for Every Type of Photography

There’s an almost endless list of camera lenses to choose from when it comes to DSLR and mirrorless cameras, so trying to determine what lens is the best for your photography can get a little overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve put together a list of recommended lenses for different types of photography to help you decide what’s best for you.

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Professional Studio Lighting Modifiers

Many people are familiar with standard modifiers such as softboxes or grids, but I often get a lot of questions about the specialist studio lighting equipment I use in my studio and what lights I use to create certain emotions and effects.

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Hasselblad X2D NEW Face Detection AF Tested!

I’m Karl Taylor, founder of Visual Education, and thrilled to be asked to be the first person to test and provide an in-depth exploration of this game-changing update, made possible by Hasselblad’s firmware version 3.1.0.

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Replicate ‘Satellite Staro’ Lighting in Your Photography

Uncover the secrets of professional studio photography with our guide on replicating the captivating lighting effects of the Satellite Staro modifier. Learn how to emulate its filmic aesthetic using alternative tools and unleash your creativity in every shot. Explore techniques, comparisons, and budget-friendly solutions to elevate your photography game.

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Snoot Lighting for Photography

Shine a spotlight on the Snoot lighting modifier. A modest yet mighty tool in the world of studio photography. Be warned, this modifier can rapidly inflict pain. Learn Why!

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Karl Taylor Light Cone

The Light Cone enables anyone to snap professional looking product photos. No skills or expensive kit needed. Perfect for eCommerce or catalog businesses.

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Parabolic Reflector Comparison and Budget Modifier Hack

Parabolic reflectors are one of my favourite modifiers, but due to the price of them many photographers often try to find more economic solutions compared to some of the top brands. But how do the more budget options actually perform compared to the top brands? I did a direct comparison between two different brands of parabolic modifiers and also tried a hack to try and make a cheap parabolic softbox modifier work more effectively.

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Lens Filters Explained

Along with a variety of lenses, spare batteries and lens cleaning cloths, most photographers will also have a selection of filters in their camera bag. But what do lens filters do? What lens filters are essential? And what is the difference between circular and linear polarisers? I answer all of these questions and also address when and why you might need filters and how they can help you get more creative with your photography.

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How to Use Flash Triggers to Photograph Moving Objects

Capturing movement photography can be a time consuming and frustrating process, and freezing that perfect moment often requires split second timing. So how do we capture those decisive moments accurately and precisely? I’m going to share my top tips for photographing motion and explore what wireless flash triggers we can use to get the perfect timing for our shots.

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Photography Hack: Macro Photography With Extension Tubes

If you truly want to enter the magnified world of macro photography, you’ve probably been told you need a dedicated macro lens. But these specialist lenses can cost a fair bit, and if macro photography is something you do just for the enjoyment, you probably don’t want to be paying hundreds of dollars for a lens you’ll only use occasionally. The good news is that there is a cheaper alternative: extension tubes.

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Useful Tools and Software for Photographers

Low cost monthly subscriptions offer the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, update or create a website or organise your work, without putting too much strain on your finances. Here’s a list of useful software for photographers you may find useful, including photo editing software, website hosts, marketing tools, general admin and others.

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Why a Lack of Photography Equipment Shouldn’t Be an Excuse

I hear a lot of negativity from photographers claiming not to have enough equipment to get good results. This is particularly relevant to product photography, but it is not necessarily true. With the right knowledge, you can get top-end, professional-quality results using just one light. Yes, you might be able to get even better results with two, three, or even four lights, but what you have to understand, and what I repeatedly find myself having to explain, is that it’s not about what equipment you have, but rather how you use that equipment.

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Photographic Backdrops and How to Make Your Own

Photography backgrounds are a key part of any image — they can make or break your photo. Choosing the best backdrop material is crucial, but knowing which one to use can be tricky. To help you make the most of your image, I’ve outlined some key points to think about when selecting a background and included two DIY photography backgrounds that you can easily make.

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What Professional Photographer Ben Thomas Has in His Bag

Hasselblad master Ben Thomas joined us for a live talk show, where he also shared his go-to equipment and touched on the post production processes he uses to achieve some of his signature images. Many of our members were particularly interested in what equipment Ben uses and his post production process, so I’ve put together a quick summary of his equipment, travel tips and software choices.

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Camera Lens Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Lens

Lenses are an essential piece of photographic equipment, but with so many options available it can be difficult to know what it all means and how to choose the right one. Here I explain different types of lenses, how to choose the best one for you and why it’s worth considering buying second hand.

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Which DSLR Camera to Buy: A Guide to Buying the Right Camera for YOU

There’s an endless range of DSLR cameras on the market at the moment so if you’re trying to decide on which is the best for you, this article will help you cut through some of the chaos and confusion to reach a decision you won’t regret. So before you head to your nearest camera store, wallet in hand, there’s a number of very important factors to consider.

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How to Set Up a Small Photography Studio

Shooting in a small studio can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. There are a number of things you can do to make working in limited space easier and more effective, which is what I recently showed when I set up a small studio for a friend’s business.

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Studio Photography: Finding the Right Studio

For many photographers there comes a point when you think about opening your own studio. It’s a daunting step forward, and one that requires careful consideration. If you’re thinking about opening your own studio, whether it be buying or renting, there are a few important things to think about…

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Hasselblad H6 Test – Compared with the H5 and Sony A7Rii

Rather than rely on manufacturer statistic documentation, I decided to put my existing Hasselblad H5 and a loaned Hasselblad H6 through my own rigorous camera test. To spice things up, I also got my hands on a Sony A7R ii and threw that into the mix too! See how it performed against the more expensive Hasselblads in this technical camera comparison.