San Diego Photographer

We had our equipment recommendation for a travel tri-pod, which we suggested the Benro Travel Angel Tri-pod. This tri-pod is amazing for hiking, traveling, and using your tri-pod “in the wild”. But, now we are turning the corner to the tri-pod of all tri-pods, the Slik AMT Pro 700DX! Sounds like a super robot in its name and maybe resembles a robot in its strong build, but it is mostly just an amazingly built, constructed, and stable tri-pod. These adjectives for a tri-pod are all ideal, especially because you are stepping away from your expensive camera and giving your trust in this tri-pod to securely hold it. Of course, we all know a tri-pod is a necessity in your photography arsenal because it creates a stable hold when your own body and arm strength are not steady enough, or when you want to get in the photo also. Tri-pods are great when using slow shutter speed and trying to capture those slow changes without the shake of your own hand. The Slik AMT Pro 700DX is that incredibly strong and stable tri-pod that you will have forever and this may be an over exaggeration, but I mean for a very very very long time. 


Check out the full BLOG and links HERE

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

We have recently been very motivated to give out equipment recommendations that are geared to protecting your investment. Last week, we did a rain cover to protect your camera from hard rain and dusty winds and today we are recommending a quality bag to store your camera, lenses, flashes, tri-pod, and more. You name it, this bag can snuggle it in (within reason of course). When building your collection of camera equipment it is easy to lose a memory card here or a lens there if you do not have one safe place to store them; therefore, we are recommending the Think Tank Streetwalker bag. This series of camera bags are incredible with durable material, quality construction, reasonable price, and plenty of support on your back and shoulders, which can be the hardest part about lugging around all of your equipment. While Jason has recently received the Streetwalker pro to load up his equipment for the tough terrain of Iceland, he suggests the smallest streetwalker bag because it is a little more compact, convenient, and still fits all of your equipment well. 

Check out the full blog and links here

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

There is always difficulty becoming completely pro at the countless list of different aspect of photography. If we could, we would devote 3 hours to every aspect on that list, but for now we have added two more to the list of outdoors, headshots, portraits, studio lighting, low lights, etc. Due to suggestions and requests, we have added these two new classes to the Right Light Photography Class schedule.  


The two classes are Controlling Action & Motion Photography and Learning the Basics of Editing in Adobe Lightroom. 

Check out our full blog and links to the classes here 

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

Some of the most eye catching photos are those that catch a butterfly on a flower and the detail is so close you can see the ridges on the legs, the hairs on its wings and the pollen on the flower. This type of photography is very popular, most likely because it is hard to catch these moments even with the human eye. Catching a perfect macro photo is sometimes just luck. Luck that the spider decided to pause long enough on its web to snap that great photo. Luck that the bee rested on the flower for enough time to grab your camera, focus, and record the moment. I am talking about macro photography and the wonders and accomplishment you feel when you catch that incredible shot!

This week when choosing a macro lens to recommend Jason was so clear with his answer. He said there were some slight differences in the brand lens (Canon, Nikon, etc.), but honestly you couldn’t beat the 3rd party, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens. “You can’t beat the sharpness of the Tamron lens and it is half the price of a new Canon or Nikon Macro lens.” Sounds good to us, because if there is one thing a photographer loves is quality equipment at a great value. 

To read the full profile, view photos, and see links... Check out our blog here

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

Building a photography community has brought the need to acknowledge photographers in their early stages of photography as a business who show exceptional work. Therefore, we have the ‘Photographer of the Month’ chosen by the Right Light Photography giving the spotlight to those in our photography community that deserve acknowledgement for their contribution, photography style, and business. Once a month, we will be sharing a BIO, interview, and everything that is special about our chosen photographer! On that note, we are introducing January’s Photographer of the Month. Congratulations Nicole Keel!  

www.claritybynicole.com

To read the full bio and interview.. Check out our Blog here 

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

There comes a time when your desire to invest more into your photography overwhelms you and the want to get more range and consistent professional photos becomes necessary. That is why this week we are recommending the professional camera body. These camera bodies take you a step up with incredible capabilities and ranges that will not only improve your photography, but can become the only camera you will ever need to buy again. Both of these cameras take into account the photographer who is ready to take that step up and wants to get started in photography on a more professional or higher quality level. This week Jason is recommending the Canon EOS 60D and the Nikon D7000. Jason believes that both of these cameras are amazing and will be a true investment in your passion of photography.

To read the full profile and links.. Check out our blog here

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

Starting the NEW Right Light Studios newsletter!

We post equipment recommendations, blogs, and tips multiple times a week all over the internet, but we know how hard it can be to find the information you want when you need it most! We have decided to create this newsletter for the new year that will come once a week and organize all the great content and information we give you to be easily viewed and referenced at your leisure. 

This newsletter will include a new photography tip every week, the equipment recommendation, class schedules, current events, and even a new feature: Photograph of the Week. With this new feature, one photograph will be chosen every week from our archives and/or from new products of recent classes and will be featured in the newsletter to be admired and given credit where credit is due. Sign up now and know that your information will only be used for this newsletter and to make all the amazing photography information we offer available right at your fingertips. . 

Follow the link below to become part of our Right Light Studios Community Newsletter starting January 2012 
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

It is that time of year again when the holidays approach and everyone is asking you what you want as a gift. Well, if you are anything like me, you usually say “I’m sure whatever you get me will be amazing!” But, I think this is the year as an adult I officially make a Christmas list. The reason for this list is that I can’t always count of my significant others and family to buy me what I would use more than once. (Or never like the case of the razor scooter, my aunt got me thinking it was the cool way young professionals got around their office- Oh boy!).  So, get ready for an array of suggestions from big to small, super expensive to low budget. A present for all of your needs waiting to be unwrapped and used every day! This list is both for you to suggest and for you to consider when getting a gift for another photography enthusiast.

I am going to start with the expensive gifts to get the best ones out of the way! Nowadays, actual cameras are expensive, but most come in these kits that are complete with all the basics to start in photography. So, asking for a camera is an amazing present and can jump start your passion for photography. We have written an equipment recommendation on good deals and everything to look for in buying a camera, so if you are looking to buy one for a loved one or friends we describe what features make a camera worth buying. 

Another expensive gift option to get someone who is passionate about photography is to get them a new lens. We have recommended a few, but having more than one lens can really take your photography to the next level. With so many lenses out on the market, we wanted to give you a hint on the lenses that really improve and expand your photography and are worth buying. The best lenses to get someone would be the 70-200mm (Not a lot of people have this one and it is an incredible lens for shallow depth of field, close-up, just about everything [Find it here] ), 50mm (Check out our Blog), and a 85mm [Canon here- Nikon here]. These are all great lenses to have and if anyone who is passionate about photography doesn’t have one of these, it could be an incredible gift. A gift of a new lens is a gift to a new perspective and world of photography.

Now, for the less expensive stuff. A lot of us do not have the financial means or  the want to blow over $500 on a friend, family member, or significant other. (Sorry, babe!) But, there are equally important gifts relating to photography that give your wallet a break. These gifts are practical and have great value! So, we all know the joke about getting tube socks from your grandma, but some things we hate buying but always need in photography are batteries and memory cards! I know, I know, the important part is that you call it a stocking stuffer because no one wants just batteries or memory card for Christmas.(Check out our Memory Card Blog) The gift, that most people don’t think of, that are awesome practical gifts for photography is a camera bag or strap. 

In most camera kits, the camera comes with the company brand embroidered on a thin strap. Anyone who enjoys taking photos or carrying around their camera around on trips and vacations knows how strenuous this can be on your neck and back. So, a great thing to invest in or give as a gift in this case is a new camera strap! We recommend giving them Sun Sniper Pro Strap [Find it Here]. This one gives incredible support with Shock Absorbers and relieves the strain that comes from having your camera strap around your neck.

In bags, a great practical bag to get your loved ones is a travel camera bag. Your camera is most susceptible to damage when you are out and about and a strong and great quality camera bag can be more important than the ever day camera bag. We recommend the Tamrac Velocity Series Travel Bag. (Check out or Travel Bag Blog) This bag is comfortable and practical for any photographer! It is aesthetically basic and sleek and does not draw attention to the fact you have expensive equipment in it. It also carries all things necessary for a trip out to shoot and does so in an organized and protected fashion with easy access to your supplies.

In the midst of being a photographer and especially in this era of computers and internet, the amazing photos taken are usually only available online or on a computer album. A great present to get any photographer is one of their photos printed to be admired. A passionate photographer is always looking to take new and interesting photos and has a handful or more of favorites and it is nice to show just how beautiful those photos are off the computer and on a wall or ledge. There is simply printing and making a photo album or putting them in picture frame option. This is cheap and is always meaningful for a photographer. Another slightly more expensive, but even more satisfying is getting the photo printed onto a canvas. This option is both fulfilling and creates a professional accomplishment feel for that photographer. CHECK IT OUT HERE There are also always amazing deals to print photos onto canvas on deal sites like groupon and livingsocial, so keep your eyes peeled. 

Finally, like me, I have everything material I need to survive and I like gaining experiences and memories in my gifts. For example, I was recently gifted a culinary tour of Coronado and got to experience it with my significant other. This was an amazing memory and turned out to be one of the most memorable and best gifts I have ever gotten because of the experience and I learned about the history of Coronado as well as amazing places to eat. Therefore, a great gift to get someone is something they would want to do, but wouldn’t think of scheduling it or paying for it in their busy schedules. The gift of learning! And not in the way you are thinking with homework and deadlines. I am talking about classes for cooking, dancing, yoga, or in our case, photography! A photography class can truly be priceless because it teaches valuable techniques and information and gives hands on experience to bring confidence to any skill level photographer. (Check our our gift certificates here). At the Right Light Photography, we have amazing value, hands-on time, handouts, and the chance to become a part of a photography community. This community shares photos and experiences, critiques, teaches, gives equipment recommendation and is there to enjoy photography with each other. Join our photography community today!

So, whether asking for a gift or trying to think of a gift to get someone, the gifts noted in this blog are all great options for any photography enthusiast. The gift of photography is both for the photographer and those around them. It documents memories and experiences in such an amazing way and brings people together.

Have an amazing holiday season enjoying being surrounded by family and friends and being grateful for everything you have. Love- The Right Light Photography Family

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

Most DSLR camera body kits come with a memory card to get you started with your photography. With the memory card included we often feel satisfied having just this one memory card for all of our photos. But, this week, instead of recommending just one specific brand of memory card that is the best, we are going to teach you the important things to keep in mind when buying a memory card.

The first and most obvious is to know whether your camera takes an SD memory card or CompactFlash memory card. Now, they have normal SD memory cards and then they have SDHC cards that feature larger capacities and higher data-transfer speed (SDHC cards range from 4GB to 32GB, where older SD cards top out at 2GB). Nearly all SD-compatible cameras sold today accept both SD and SDHC cards, so either will work. The easiest way to check which memory card your camera accepts is by checking online or the owner’s manual. Just make sure you don't accidently order or buy a microSD card, which is smaller and isn't interchangeable with SD memory cards. SD cards are also taking over compactflash cards in new models of digital cameras, but they are still used in some cameras and all of the recommendations for speed, class, and size are relevant for both the SD card and the compactflash memory card.

All of our cameras have something called a buffer. The buffer is the gap in time that it takes your camera to get the information (Photo or video) onto the memory card. Therefore, the first thing to look for in a memory card is the speed. The faster the memory card is, the less buffer time you will have and the faster you will be able to take a sequence of photos. Everyone knows that time when you are trying to take a sequence of quick photos (during a sports game or taking photos of a public speaker), but we have all experienced when the camera makes you wait to take the next photo. This is because it is still transferring the first photo you took to your memory card.

The speed of a memory card is the speed at which data can be written to a memory card, or read from it. Therefore, you need to consider both the reading and writing speeds of the memory card when purchasing one. The writing speed is defined as how fast your camera transfers the photo once it is taken to your memory (the screen). The writing speed is especially important when it comes to taking those quick photos in sequence like explained above. The reading speed is how fast the photos are read off the memory, either bringing it up to review on your camera or transferring them to your computer. Therefore, a high speed is beneficial in both taking a series of photos faster and saves time when transferring and looking back on photos. 

*Something to keep in mind is if you have an older camera you can get by with a slower speed memory card because the file size of your photos is smaller. In the newer cameras, the image sizes are large and take up a lot of space and take more time to process to the memory card.

Another aspect of speed is the class speed the memory card is. Class ranges from 2, 4, 6, and 10. We recommend to not bother ever buying a memory card with the class speed of 2 or 4. When shooting with a digital SLR, you might want to spend a few extra dollars to get a class 10 memory card, such as one that writes at 30MB+ per second. This will increase your performance when shooting in burst mode, and most likely shorten the time it takes to transfer photos to your computer. Other than that, the smallest class you should go is class 6 when buying a memory card.

Now, that we have gone over the speeds of memory cards, there is the simple question of the size capacity preferred. When shooting photos, a full memory card warning or lost/broken memory card can truly ruin a day of photography. You can help prevent these pitfalls by always having more than one memory card in your possession and choosing the right size capacity.

Many people always say that bigger is better with size capacity, but we actually see it differently. For hobbyist photographers, we recommend a minimum card size of 8GB. If you shoot a lot of photos or shoot in Raw mode (which produces significantly larger image files) you'll probably be happier with 8GB or you can even go up to 16GB. We do not recommend going to a memory card that has more than 16 GB because when there is too much space, the photographer usually gets carried away and doesn’t think they have to back up their photos as often. By having just one 32 GB memory card, it puts too much value on that one memory card that could get lost or break at any time. A lower GB promotes downloading and transferring photos and keeps your photos safe in your computer. So, while novice photographers can get by alright with cards in the 4GB range. We recommend a 8 or 16GB card for anyone who shoot more often or like to shoot video and doesn't want to have to transfer photos after every shoot.

The worst thing that could happen with a memory card is that your card is full or you miss a shot because of how long it takes to load your photos to the memory card. To sum up the equipment recommendation, there are two things to consider and keep in mind when buying a new memory card. 1.) Make sure the card has a high speed. Choose a memory card in a speed class of 6 or 10. This will increase the reading and writing speed and be essential for catching every photo. 2.) Don’t bother with small size capacity memory cards, but don’t go too high either. A Memory card that is 8GB or 16GB is more than enough room and promotes uploading photos as you go.

When it comes to all the expensive new equipment and lenses for your camera, sometimes you forget about the small, less expensive, but even more important pieces of equipment like a memory card. It seems so small, but with a good speed and size memory card your photography abilities expand and you don’t miss a shot. Enjoy!

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer

Life can be overwhelming, busy, and fast and amidst the routine walk to your car or bike ride to work your surroundings fly by just as quickly. This month we are challenging you to take what you see every day and bring it to life. We want to implore you to take that something you see every day (And may not even pay attention to) and capture it in a NEW and exciting way. This is going to have you slow down and smell the roses, as they say, creating an opportunity to truly interpret a special part of your life in a new way from your surroundings, to your pet, to your favorite coffee mug! This contest is very open to everyday items, animals, or even people. The first part of this contest is finding that everyday subject that you interact with all the time and the second part is interpreting it from a new perspective or from an interesting new view or angle you choose to shoot from. Go crazy! Enjoy your surroundings, take photos, and enter the contest for a chance to WIN! 

How to Enter: 
1. Decide on an Everyday Subject: Take a Step Back photo that you want to enter in the contest (we will review photos before adding them to the contest.)
2. Use the “Enter Contest” button below and submit your information along with your photo.
3. It will be reviewed and if approved it will be uploaded to the photo album on the Facebook page (http://facebook.com/sandiegophotography) 

How to Win:
Once your photo has been uploaded there will two ways you can win.

         1st way you can win – Like last time, 3 winners will be selected based on the total number of ‘likes’ they receive for their photo. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners (see prizes below). It will be your responsibility to tell your network and Facebook friends about your photo and to have them like it. In order for them to ‘like’ your photo they must first ‘like’ the page (I got a lot of questions about this last time, so make it clear to your friends so they understand). The three people with the most ‘likes’ will win. 

         2nd way you can win – Because not everyone has a million Facebook friends, but may have a great photograph it is not fair to only grant prizes to the most popular and determined people on Facebook. Therefore, there will be 3 winners whose photographs will be selected by three professional photographers. The judging criteria will be based on composition, black & white contrast (exposure), and the overall appeal of the photo. Everyone’s photos that are submitted will be judged and three winners will be selected based on the results from the judges. However, there is one requirement for photos to be judged, you must obtain at least 5 ‘likes.’ The purpose of these contests is to promote sharing and critiquing of photos to help improve your photography skills, however if you put no effort into sharing your photos then it goes against the purpose of the contest. Anyone can easily get at least 5 ‘likes’ (one from yourself, one from your dog, your mom, and then find 2 more friends, easy enough, right?).

The Prizes
Prizes for the most ‘likes’ – 

     -       First Place will receive a 16x20 canvas print of a photo of their choice, up to 3 free classes of their choice.*
     -       Second Place will receive credit of up to 2 free classes of their choice.*
     -       Third Place will receive credit of up to 1 free class of their choice.*

Prizes for best judged photos – 

     -       First place will receive a free ThinkTank Photo bag from www.ThinkTankPhoto.com (a big thanks to our sponsor) and up to 3 free classes of their choice.*
     -       Second Place will receive credit of up to 2 free classes of their choice.*
     -       Third Place will receive credit of up to 1 free class of their choice.*

*Classes available in San Diego, CA, Dallas, TX and Vancouver, BC.

This is over $1,000 in free giveaways! So what are you waiting for….enter the contest now!

Entries will be accepted from December 8th through December 30th. Winners will be notified by January 5th to bring in the NEW YEAR!

By: Lauren Lopez
San Diego Photographer