Here's your copy of the Dan Bailey Photo Newsletter - July 2016 Issue
Published: Thu, 07/14/16
Hi ,
Well, we’ve passed the halfway mark for the year. There’s something kind of fun about that, and at the same time, something a little scary, because now we only have six months left to accomplish everything we set out to do in 2016. If you’re like me, you’re charging through the weeks, trying to make the most of every single day, and you don’t always have time to look back.
Still, it can be fun to reflect on what you did, and what you photographed during the first half of the year. Not only is it fun to see what you’d done, this can give you a good opportunity to learn and see how far you’ve come, or gauge what techniques you feel you still need to work on.
Usually, you learn something every time you take new photos. Going back and looking at your shots helps you learn even more. With a fresh eye, you can more accurately judge the quality of your images and you’ll notice certain aspects you might not have noticed during your first edit. Sometime your original favorites will stand out even more, and you might even spot hidden gems that you didn’t think were so hot the first time around. And, of course, with many shots, you’ll
see ways they could have been improved, whether by making slight tweaks in your composition or by paying better attention to the light. This is one of the main ways you can become a better photographer, so I hope you take the time to do this every so often.
Here are a handful of my favorite photos from the first half of 2016- one from each month. One of the new techniques I brought into my photography during this period was to shoot more black and white. I love shooting mountains at sunset when the light is warm and gorgeous, but lately, I’ve been experimenting with shooting in the Monochrome film sims on my Fuji cameras. Sometimes, I’ll shoot the scene using a color film sim, then switch to a black and white film sim and shoot it again
to compare. Other times, I’ll just shoot in black and white.
What I always find is that the most important ingredient in a powerful image is great light. Sometimes you can rescue a scene that has less-than-stellar light by using any number of compositional tricks, but when it all comes down, great light is what really matters. Learn to spot great light when it happens- better yet, learn to anticipate great light and powerful scenes before they happen. Check out this post I wrote called Using Anticipation to Create Stronger Photographs.
Fujifilm Unveils the 24MP X-T2
The rumors were true. After months of speculation, Fujifilm finally announced the X-T2. I’ve been using the X-T2 for a couple months now, and after shooting over 10,000 frames with it, I can attest, it’s one hot camera. In every single way, the X-T2 is a truly professional grade camera that will compete with just about anything out there.
With a body design and layout that’s nearly identical to the X-T1, with a few small tweaks, the X-T2 contains the more powerful X Processor Pro chip that’s also found in the X-Pro2, and it contains some seriously upgraded firmware. It also has the new 24MP X-Trans III sensor. People raved about the image quality on the X-Pro2; the X-T2 now produces the same stunning quality and incredibly sharp resolution. It’s also the first Fuji camera to shoot 4K video.
New AF system and Boost Mode
In my mind, the biggest advancement is the updated autofocus system. Designed around the same Single, Zone AF, Wide/Tracking system that’s found on most of the other models, the X-T2 has 325 AF points, (91 AF points in Zone AF mode) and 169 Phase Detect points that cover a much larger area of the frame. (49 PDAF points in Zone AF mode).
When using AF-C and Zone AF mode, you have much greater coverage for tracking moving subjects across the frame, and the faster processor allows for much quicker subject acquisition and handoff across the different AF points. Also, blackout time is greatly reduced, so you don’t lose the subject in your vision between frames; you’ve always got a clear view on the scene.
Finally, the X-T2 has a special AF-C Custom Settings menu which lets you tweak how the camera detects and tracks motion. You can adjust Tracking Sensitivity, Speed Tracking Sensitivity and Zone Area Switching. The camera has 5 presets and you can also tweak the settings and save your own custom AF preset.
The X-T2 also features a new Boost Mode, which speeds up EVF refresh rate, startup time and AF performance, and it reduces blackout time even more. Add the new battery grip and Boost Mode lets you shoot at 11fps with the mechanical shutter and 14 fps with the electronic shutter.
I’ve run the new system through some very heavy testing with fast action situations and I’m blown away by the performance. Here are a coupe of examples.
ACROS Film Simulation
Like the X-Pro2, the new X-T2 include the ACROS film sim. ACROS is an updated black and white mode that uses a more advanced grain structure and a different image processing algorithm. It gives you finer tonal gradations, especially at higher ISO speeds. I’m in love with ACROS- here are a couple of examples.
High ISO performance
The X-T2’s new processor also improves high ISO and low light performance. Native ISO now goes up to 12800, and noise is reduced at all speeds. Here are a coupe of examples of what 12800 looks like. Note, these are straight JPEGS with no processing.
These are just a few of the upgrades found on the X-T2. There are many. It truly is the X Series evolved, and with regards to performance, speed, mirrorless camera technology has now closed the gap with DSLRs.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence waiting for Fuji to come out with a 24MP camera that can compete with the Sony A7 for image quality and Canon and Nikon for AF performance, the X-T2 will stand shoulder to should with anything in a similar price range, and in some cases, with cameras that cost 2-3 times that.
And, if you were impressed with the X-Pro2, but prefer the X-T1 body style, your wait is over. Priced at $1,599, the X-T2 will hit shelves in September.
Check out my full review of the new X-T2 to see what’s been added and to see how well it performs. I’ve got lots of photos in my review that show you how it handles a number of different situations.
What about the X-T1?
The X-T1 is still an awesome camera. The 16MP X-Trans sensor hits a real sweet spot with excellent sharpness and resolution and great low light, high ISO performance. It has the same pixel size as the Nikon D800 and Sony A7, which means it has the same light gathering performance as those two very highly rated cameras. Combined with all of the Fuji film sims, it produces stunning images with gorgeous colors and sharpness that rivals most full frame DSLRs.
True, the X-T2 has a higher resolution sensor, but unless you pixel peeped really hard, it’s not a night and day thing- with most subjects, there’s not a huge difference between the 1 and the 2.
While the X-T2 AF system is definitely faster, the X-T1 AF is very very good. Having used it exclusively for the past 2.5 years, I’ve shot a wide variety of action, outdoor, travel and people and it does a great job.
It’s like anything else- there will always be an improved model that comes along, but that doesn’t mean the X-T1 is no longer valid. It’s going to stay in the lineup. It’s still an excellent, fun, high performance camera that was the flagship model of the Fujifilm lineup for about 2 years, until just recently. If you bought the X-T1 during the recent rebates, the difference in what you paid vs. what the X-T2 will cost is about $600. That’s quite a bit of money.
Plus, you’d have to wait two more months for the 2- You’ve got the 1 in your hands right now, and that’s what counts.
So, if you have an X-T1 and don’t feel like shelling out for a new X-T2, don’t feel you have to. Stay enamored with your X-T1 and have a great time shooting photos with it.
However, if you feel limited by the X-T1 in any way, say you shoot fast action, or you just want to maximize image quality or performance, then I’d take a serious look at the X-T2.
If after reading my review, you have any questions about the X-T2, please feel free to email me, I’m happy to try and answer them. You can preorder the X-T2 here.
Photo Essay - Bikepacking in Transylvania
Last fall, I did a 6-week bike tour in Romania. Mostly focusing on the fabled region of Transylvania, we pedaled over 850 miles through a beautiful part of the world, which to most westerners, is largely a mystery. We rode village to village, sometimes on gravel roads and dirt tracks over rolling meadows and through thick forests. It was one of the most memorable bike trips I’ve ever taken.
I recently posted an extended photo essay about my trip, which includes lots of images and information about this region. Check out BIKEPACKING in ROMANIA: Chasing Vampires and Adventure in Transylvania. I hope you enjoy it!
Camera Tips - Shooting Action with AF-C autofocus mode
Whether you like to photography sports, birds in flight or your kids running around on the soccer field, shooting action is one of the most challenging things to do with the camera. It’s hard enough to capture moving subjects, and it’s even harder to make sure the camera accurately focus and track your subject matter across the frame.
Like anything else, becoming a proficient photographer is all about being comfortable with your camera. They’re powerful tools, but you need to learn the exact methods that let you do what you want them to do. With enough practice, these tasks will become second nature, which means you’ll be able to switch your camera to the right mode with just a few instinctive finger flips.
As an action photographer, my regular camera workflow often involves this kind of shooting. I do this all the time, so I don’t even have to think about it. To help you understand the steps involved for shooting moving subjects, I’ll online the steps you need to take that will get your camera ready for action.
(Note, although these are the steps I make with my Fuji camera, most other brand have the exact same functions, and so, the same method. Check your manual, because the settings might have slightly different names, or different controls.)
1. Flip the AF switch on the front left side of the body to AF-C, or “C”. This will activate the camera’s predictive AF tracking mode, which will allow it to keep the subject in focus, even it it’s moving directly towards or away from the camera.
2. Select either Single or Zone AF from the AF Mode menu. I keep AF Mode assigned to one of my Fn buttons so it’s easy to access. If your subject will remain in a constant position in the frame, single mode will often work. If you expect that it will move around the frame, you’ll want to select Zone AF. To be safe, I almost always use Zone AF whenever I’m shooting action.
3. Switch camera to either CL or CH mode. This is found on the Drive dial, which is on the top left of the camera body. When shooting action, you’ll most likely want to shoot a burst of photos in order to ensure you capture a great moment. For very fast action, I’ll use CH mode, which fires at 8 fps. For slower action, CL might be just fine.
An important thing to note, in CH mode, the camera will only use the smaller array of Phase Detect AF points near the center of the frame, while in CL mode, all of the AF points around the frame will be used to track motion. This might affect which Drive mode you’ll use if you’re shooting action that it’s exceptionally fast.
So, it goes like this- Switch to AF-C, put the camera in Zone AF and flip the Drive mode to CL or CH. Now you’re ready to go. When you see our subject in the frame, press the shutter halfway to initiate the AF tracking. You’ll see the AF sensor responding, and when the subject reaches your ideal position in the frame, press the shutter all the way to fire off a burst. One thing that helps ensure a good focus lock is to start tracking your subject before it reaches your desired point
in the frame. If you just point and shoot, it may work, but your results probably won’t be as consistent.
If you shoot Fuji, check out this special X Series Autofocus website that shows you all the different modes and how they work.
July ebook Sale - Save 35%
I’ve put all of my PDF eBooks on sale for the month of July with a 20% discount. However, I’ve created special exclusive discount for my newsletter subscribers that will let you save even more.
Pick one or more titles, and use coupon code JULY35 and you’ll get an additional 15% discount, which brings your savings to 35% off.
The sale applies to the following titles and runs through the end of July.
ZEN PHOTOGRPHER: Turning Your Passion into Focus. ZEN PHOTOGRAPHER is a collection of essays, photographs and insight that have been pulled from my 26 years as a photographer, almost 20 of those I’ve spent as a working pro in a very tough industry. My goal with this book is to help you turn your passion for photography into a dedicated focus and reduce some of the bumps along your own journey.
Going Fast With Light: A Flash Guide for Outdoor Photographers. Going Fast With Light is an 83-page manual that will show you how to use off-camera flash and apply speedlight-style lighting techniques in your active outdoor photography styles. Even though I wrote this book while I was still shooting with Nikon gear, the topics and techniques still apply to Fuji cameras as well. Here’s a recent Fuji
shoot I did with flash to show that the same ideas apply.
Making The Image: A Conceptual Guide To Creating Stronger Photographs. Making The Image is a 50 page eBook that will guide you towards making more powerful photographs. By exploring how the human visual system responds to the world, it breaks down imagery into individual concepts, such as light, color, balance and viewpoint and shows you not only how, but
why you should apply those concepts to your own photos in order to make them stronger. It also explores both the definition and the methodology of creativity as they apply to different types of images and image making, which can help you take a more active role in your photography.
How to Become a Pro Photographer eBook: This in-depth eBook is for anyone who is considering a full or part time career in photography. Illustrated with stunning imagery and packed with industry resources, links and valuable information that I’ve gained during my experience working as a full time pro for a decade and a half, it will tell you what you need to know in order to get started making money as a photographer.
You can also get these four books as a specially priced bundle.
Behind The Action – Creating Adventure Imagery, Step By Step: Behind The Action is all method. It lays out the exact step-by-step process for 12 specific adventure and outdoor type images. Essentially, I take the reader along with me on a number of shoots and let them look over my shoulder as I scout the location, gauge the light, choose my equipment, come up with an approach, execute the final image
and reflect on how it all went down. I even show you a number of outtakes so that you can follow along and see how the final shot eventually came about. In short, Behind The Action is the closest thing you’ll ever get to actually being there on the shoot with me and watching me work.
Except, of course, by watching my online video course,"Outdoor Photography Essentials," which is also a special price if you purchase it through my blog.
Event - Fujifilm Pedal Palooza, Featuring Dan Bailey
National Camera Exchange, Minneapolis, MN
Edina location: August 5-6, 2016
I’ll be doing an in-store presentation at National Camera Exchange in the Minneapolis area on Friday night, August 5, followed by a biking “photo-pedal” on
Saturday August 6.
This is a great chance to learn some of my technique for shooting a wide variety of outdoor photography subject matter, and a chance to hang out and ride bikes with me as we pedal around looking for things to photograph and practice different techniques.
If you live in the Twin Cities area and are interested, whether you shoot Fuji or not, check out the National Camera website for more info. I hope you can make it, I'd love to connect with you! Don't worry, it won't be like the picture above, it's more of a casual, fun ride and a chance to learn. Of course, I can probably be talked into going mountain biking on Sunday if some you MN locals tempt me! :D (Yes,
please tempt me...)
Gear Corner
The recent Fujifilm rebates have ended, but Nikon, Canon and Olympus now have some great rebates going on lenses and body/lens combos. You can save up to $900 on Nikon bundles, up to $500 on Canon bundles and save up to $200 on Olympus M3/4 lenses.
Around the Web
Efficiency is always key when it comes to your digital photography workflow. Often times it’s the little things that can make the difference, especially when you’re editing and browsing a catalog of thousands of images. In this short video, (under 2 minutes), Scott Kelby shares three of his favorite Lightroom shortcuts.
While we’re on the subject of Lightroom, you should know two things. First of all, the latest upgrade of Lightroom CC and Adobe Photoshop CC are both X-T2 ready. So, if you order an X-T2 and update your Adobe software to the latest version, you’ll be ready to read and process the RAW file on the first day you get your new camera. No more saving your RAF files and waiting for a month or two for the upgrade. And, as I mentioned in a previous newsletter, the latest versions do a
much better job with the Fuji RAW files. In my love/hate relationship with Lightroom, I’m back to the Love side these days.
Second, and you probably already know this, Lightroom is a big resource hog. Work with a big files and a big catalog, or with an older computer and you’ll see significant slowdowns. Here is Adobe’s official info about how to optimize Lightroom and what customizations you can possibly make to you system so that Lightroom runs faster.
Michael Frye is an accomplished Yosemite area photographer who shoots beautiful work. His recent blog post called Composition Fundamentals, he shares some good ideas about how to infuse simplicity into your photographs.
If you subscribe to Landscape Photography Magazine, you can read an interview with Michael in the latest issue. If you haven’t seen Landscape Photography, it’s a great UK-based digital publication that only costs a few Pounds per issue. And they have a pretty good blog too. I know that a lot of my readers are from the UK, and I’m impressed with how many incredible landscape photographers there are over there. I
really need to visit the UK. Hopefully sooner than later…
There are many great photography books out there, and you can learn a lot from them. Or course, none of us has time to read every single book out there. Here are the 3 photography books that had the biggest impact on me during my photography journey. Also, here’s a list of photography books my readers
have recommended that have made an impact on them as well. If you have a favorite, let me know what it is, why you liked it and I’ll add it to the list.
Ok, that wraps up this issue. I hope you’re having a great summer and shooting lots of photos, as always keep in touch and let me know what you’ve been up to, or what you’ve been capturing with your camera. I like to know what you guys are doing, especially since I’ve met a number of you in person.
Enjoy the posts below and don't forget to share!
-Take care and thanks for reading.
Dan
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