09/08/2021
What’s The Best Computer For Photo Editing?
If your computer is showing signs of age or is no longer up to the task of photo editing then maybe it’s time to ditch it for a newer model – but which one?
Trying to decide which is the best computer for your needs can be a bit of challenge. There are plenty of laptops and desktops from household name companies to choose from. There are also plenty that will perform well with editing tools like Photoshop & Lightroom.
My most recent upgrade search certainly began with the big name companies. The problem was I couldn’t quite find just what I was looking for at a suitable price point.
Instead, I went back to basics and researched the optimum specification to contribute to an efficient workflow using my preferred Adobe CC editing software. The next step was to approach smaller UK based bespoke computer builders with a track record in supplying photo editing machines – and, hey presto, they responded promptly, offered great advice and highly competitive prices.
All-in-all, certainly a worthwhile addition to your search options next time it’s time to change that computer.
mfimage
05/05/2021
Webcam Or EpocCam?
I recently upgraded my desktop computer to enable me to process images more efficiently than was possible with my aging laptop. This left me needing some form of webcam for video meetings. I set off researching webcams but ended up using my iPhone instead – so what changed my mind?
I was brought up not to waste money and I can’t ditch the habit of needing to justify purchases, even when the expenditure is not great. The problem for me is that online meetings, whether Zoom, Teams or some other platform, are relatively few and far between. At the same time, I love the technology and can’t tolerate the thought of looking like a bleached silhouette and sounding as if I am at the bottom of the sea when meeting online.
A Logitech C920 looked like a good idea and is, evidently, among the most popular webcams. The price isn’t excessive but it’s still a bit of money for a device I will use only occasionally. That’s when I discovered EpocCam – clever software that turns your mobile ‘phone into a webcam for just a few £s. I didn’t really expect it to be that good but … surprise, it’s super easy to set up and seems to work perfectly. That’s partly, of course, because today’s ‘phone cameras and microphones are a good deal better than in days gone by.
Add a clever little articulated clamp and a Manfrotto phone clamp and I had a convenient way of mounting the ‘phone above my monitor.
Then, of course, a good light is needed. I opted for a Litufoto F18 LED panel.
The great thing about these purchases is that I will use them in my photography, not just for web meetings. They are dual purpose and that means I can justify the purchases.
The total cost was round about the same as a decent webcam. However, these items offer me the opportunity for much greater usage.
NB: There are alternatives to all the items I mention, so if you’re in the market it’s worth checking the options online.
mfimage
24/04/2021
Image Or Method – Which Is More Important?
Here’s an interesting question. Which is more important, the impact of a photographic image or the method by which it has been created, or are they of equal significance?
It seems more photographers these days like to experiment with process. They use not just ‘ordinary’ film or digital cameras but pinholes, old techniques such as Collodion wet plate process, polaroid, mixed media approaches – the list is quite long. Some of the techniques are fiendishly difficult to master and their signature look also becomes an integral part of the image created.
The results may be liked or loathed, at least in part, through critique of the method/technology adopted. Does a mediocre final image warrant praise because it was created using ‘off-beat’ techniques? Should a stunning image created on a state of the art digital camera be downgraded because it was taken in Auto mode and just required the click of a shutter?
Doubtless opinions will vary and, as is the case with so much in photography, subjectivity certainly comes into play. For me, it is the end product that matters. A great image is just that, however it was made. A poor image is not any better because it was created using an obscure technique – but the way a photograph is made can still be fascinating, instructive and produce a visually appealing result.
What’s your take?
mfimage
11/02/2021
Images Compromised For Lack of £200 Investment
Photographers are, of course, focused on image quality but image is also vitally important to a wide range of public figures. Bearing this in mind, I am constantly amazed at the way so many people are prepared to compromise their public image for want of an investment of around £200.
In these days of lockdown, for so many frontline politicians and technical experts, the ability to ‘broadcast’ from a home office has become essential. Why then, do so many rely on the low grade webcams and microphones built into their laptops. They then compound the problem by positioning their laptops so that the camera looks up their nose and arrange lighting so that they are more or less in silhouette?
As a result they frequently end up ‘sitting in the dark’ and sounding as if they are at the bottom of the sea.
For around £200 they could massively improve their ‘image’. That’s about the price of a half decent webcam, a USB microphone and an LED light. A quick look on-line, would also provide the necessary information on how to position a laptop when video conferencing.
As they say: “It ain’t rocket science”!
mfimage
23/10/2020
Infrared Remote Photo Hack
Infrared remotes often encounter problems when you try to use them outside. There’s so much other light around it can be hard for cameras to pick up the signal.
Here’s a quick hack that I used recently in order to enable me to trigger my camera when doing a spot of garden birding. I was after a robin that often sits on top of a bird box – but at unpredictable times. I could set the camera on a tripod pre-focused on the right spot but my remote wouldn’t work. Of course, if I went outside or made a noise the bird would disappear. The solution proved remarkably simple. I cut out a piece of stiff white A4 paper so that it had a lens diameter shaped hole at the bottom that I could slot over the lens itself, leaving the majority of the paper sitting above the lens.
This then provided a ‘target’ for the infrared remote to aim at and that could bounce the signal to the camera. Result! I could stand inside the house behind a window and press the remote without needing to go into the garden and disturb the robin.
Why not give it a try?
mfimage
26/04/2020
Using Lenses For Something Different
Given the constraints of the COVID-19 lockdown, right now I’m dedicating some of my time to using my lenses in different ways.
I don’t really do macro, so macro primes are not among my gear. Instead, I’m experimenting with some ancient extension rings and an old Helios manual lens (used with a mount converter) and checking out what I can capture with a telephoto lens at close range and tripod mounted.
The results are encouraging but I’ve some wrinkles to iron out yet.
mfimage
12/04/2020
Playing Catch Up
It may not be a great time for getting out and about with a camera but it is certainly a good time for playing catch up.
With staying at home a necessity to maintain the country’s ‘lockdown’, there is, perhaps, more time to sit at the computer and edit those images that have been waiting for some TLC for far too long.
And if there is some space in the schedule, it’s also a fine time to plug in to all those on-line tutorials and give your photography skills a boost.
There are very few ‘up-sides’ to the UK’s current woes. Being stuck at home is far from ideal but at least, if you are a photographer, there’s still the opportunity for some ‘virtual escape’.
Stay safe.
mfimage
21/10/2019
Should Photographers Play Ball With Political Photo Opportunities?
As The UK’s political environment becomes more heated, politicians seem to be creating ‘photo opportunities’ on an ever more frequent basis. Some are accompanied by significant announcements and, therefore, have genuine news value. Others are little more than a blatant attempt to grab the public eye by, for example, visiting a hospital, a factory or a community group for a few minutes – often wasting the time of those requested to host them.
There is, perhaps, an argument that such overt ‘electioneering’ simply does not warrant the time of photographers. By only responding to photocalls that have true news merit, could those behind the lens encourage a higher level of ‘debate’?
I think it is an interesting point to consider but equally I am not sure there is any simple answer.
Even if there is no obvious value (except to the politician in question), the most vacuous of photocalls might just reveal something unexpected about an MP or candidate – or might give rise to a striking image with the potential to go viral.
Heck, I think that means the humble snapper has to turn up most of the time. However, it’s still perhaps gratifying to think about the potential power of the photographer over political futures.
mfimage
22/02/2019
Smartphone Cameras – The Impossible Dream?
I’m an iPhone fan, so when Apple launched the XS and XR models I got very excited and was on the point of upgrading to get the better tech and, specifically, the better camera set up. Then I changed my mind. The thinking went something like this. I love the quality and feel of the XS but it it’s all about the camera then I can buy a better camera for £1,000. At £750, the XR seemed to provide a happy ‘middle ground’. The problem is that it is relatively heavy and rather bigger than fits comfortably in my front trouser pocket – my preferred carrying location.
End result? As my existing, ancient phone, was on its last legs I purchased a model from a couple of generations back that is smaller and has a lesser, but reasonable, camera as a stop-gap. Of course, pending arrival of the next new model in the hope that it will be a better match for my needs.
This is not a criticism of Apple. It’s just a recognition of my personal priorities and the fact that I rarely leave the house without a Sony RX100 in my pocket, as well as a smartphone.
There’s no doubt iPhones and android models have camera technology that is progressing by leaps and bounds. If a user’s photography is mainly about social media shares and small prints then ‘wow’ what we have today is streets ahead of, say, five years ago. Indeed, some professional shooters regularly use smartphone cameras to remarkable effect and smartphone images can be marketed via some stock libraries.
However, can a tiny lens casting light onto a tiny sensor get anywhere near the image quality achievable with a 1″ sensor or above and a suitable, matched lens? Is the smartphone industry chasing an impossible dream?
I’m not a technical expert but it does seem to me the phone manufacturers’ multi-lens set ups, combined with sophisticated AI are opening up new avenues for exploration. Each new iteration goes a little further towards that dream.
I’m still placing no bets on when, or if, I will ever want to leave the RX100 at home but it’s fascinating tracking the ingenuity of the smartphone producers and following their ‘journey’.
mfimage