Smartphone camera technology has increased dramatically, to the point where some theorize that eventually phone cameras might overtake traditional cameras (film, DLSR, mirrorless). Economically you can’t beat the price of a smartphone camera when it comes in a package deal – phone, computer/internet, and camera all-in-one. Smartphones are also extremely convenient and compact so you can always have it with you. Although a smartphone camera will have limitations, as a hobbyist or photography enthusiast, you can get great results with one.

While ND filters are extensively used in the film industry to control exposure where shutter speeds are limited, many photographers are unsure whether they should purchase one for their camera lens. The main function of a ND filter is to allow a photographer to use wide apertures in bright lighting conditions. In other words, an ND filter is like “sunglasses” for your lens. When you put an ND filter on your lens, the scene is not as bright. There are several scenarios where this function can be applied in photography.

Have you ever noticed how wearing sunglasses reduces glare and eye strain? Or noticed that the world looks a little better – bluer skies, deeper color – when you have them on? A polarizer filer is like sunglasses for your camera lens. The reduction of reflections, increased saturation, and enhanced look to foliage and clouds make polarizers one of the must-have filters for landscape photography. It is also great for portraits and other genres of photography, but can be tricky to use.

What is a UV filter? Do you need a UV filter? What does a UV filter do?

In this blog post we will answer all of these questions and more. We will discuss UV filters, what they do, and instances where a UV filter can be beneficial for photographers. If you'd rather watch our video covering the same information, check it out here on our YouTube channel.

First, let me explain what UV is and the differences between UV filters and other filters referred to as haze filters, clear filters, and skylight filters. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation and it is responsible for your tan (or burn) and appears to our eyes as a hazy sky. We cannot actually see UV light. It is out of the spectrum of visible light; however, UV light waves have a wavelength close to the size of air molecules so when UV light waves come through our atmosphere they “scatter” (the technical term is Rayleigh scatter).

The type of photography assignments or projects you give to your children will depend on their age and skill. A beginner or young learner might not be able to do more advanced projects, but something on this list should help them become more familiar with their camera and have fun while doing it. The ideas presented here can be adapted as you like to make them easier or harder for your child. These projects let kids learn through play and while they are intended for kids, grown-ups can get just as much enjoyment and practice from them as well.

Teaching a child or teen about photography isn’t going to be the same as teaching photography to adults. As an adult, we already have some basic concepts of what a good photo includes or doesn’t include. Most of us had some type of art class in high school or in college, and we’ve had more exposure to art and photography that builds some knowledge that kids, especially young kids, don’t have. However, kids are naturally creative and curious and aren’t overburdened by rules and expectations which makes them perfect learners for the basics of photography.

If your child or teen has taken up an interest in photography, you might be considering a camera purchase.

While a smartphone can take great photos, to really learn photography in terms of exposure, aperture, shutter speed and the like, you need a camera. There are many benefits to purchasing a dedicated camera. For one thing, smartphones are easy to break if dropped, whereas many camera manufacturers make at least one model meant for tough conditions and some are even waterproof. You can also pick up used, older model cameras for much less expense than a smartphone. Additionally, a good, dedicated camera will produce superior results and have more features, such as the ability to change the aperture on the lens. These features provide a way for your child or teen to grow their photography knowledge over time and a good camera and lens can last for many years. If your child already has a smartphone and you want to make sure they plan to stick with the interest or hobby before buying a camera, you could try downloading some special apps like Halide, Darkroom, Photo Splash or others (some are free and some are one-time cost).

Far too often, I get inquiries asking if “XYZ” camera is a good camera. The issue with this question is that it usually comes after the person has already bought said “XYZ” camera or was given the camera as a gift and now s/he is unsure if the camera is the right fit or wants reassurances they haven’t wasted their money. There are a lot of vocabulary terms that surround photography and some of those terms are important to know and understand before selecting a camera. Those terms are related to camera types – point and shoot, DSLR, SLR, bridge camera, etc. Then within each camera type are more terms related to the features of said camera – interchangeable lens, sensor size, etc.

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have been asked this question or seen this question posted online. This question cannot be answered without knowing more about the person who is asking. What do you photograph? Is your subject indoors or outside? Is your subject fast or slow? Do you also plan to do video? All of these factors play a part in deciding which camera would be "best" for a certain individual. My answer to this question would most likely not be the same for any two people.

Here are 12 ideas for photography practice in and around your house. Choose one subject per day and try to complete all twelve to complete the challenge. Each topic or idea presented includes some suggestions for how to complete the task and some tips or recommended gear.

Whether you buy new or used, our camera buying tips can help you navigate the camera market safely. Cameras and lenses are expensive electronics and the last thing you want to do is lose money or get scammed. Understanding a few key terms and some issues to look out for can help you save money and have peace of mind when you make your next purchase.

If you are looking for some new gift ideas for photographers then we have you covered. Here at FocusEd Camera, we’ve compiled 50 fabulous gifts so there is something for every budget and you can be sure to purchase something your friend or family member will love. Or if you are a photographer, you can put some of these items on your wish list and be the envy of other photographers! These gifts are great for the holidays or any gift giving occasion.

Let’s start with FREE goodies! These are great for tucking into a card or stocking, or for sending digitally.

When first starting out in photography, the switch to full manual mode can be more than intimidating! That is where learning to use Program mode can help you learn more about your camera’s functions and how to control them. Program mode is a great first step to getting off Auto and gaining some of the freedom that the more advanced capabilities of your camera have to offer. So go ahead and find the P for Program mode on your mode dial.

If you are a beginner at photography, there is no rush to jump into Manual Mode. However, if you want to take on the challenge, you will need to understand exposure first. Exposure is a bit complicated, but it is a critical aspect of great photography that can be mastered if you learn the three elements (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) and how these settings are related to one another.

When you are just starting out in photography, it’s easy to pick up bad habits – and not even know they are bad habits. Kicking those habits can help you become a better photographer over time. Like most bad habits, they are easy to fall into, and take practice and conscious effort to get out off. Here are the 9 bad habits that you need to break, starting today…

Do you have GAS? GAS is the acronym for Gear Acquisition Syndrome. It is the trap many photographers fall into, feeling the need to constantly upgrade or purchase more lenses and equipment. New equipment is always a lot of fun and often sparks some creativity at the outset, but it can get expensive and there is no reason to “break the bank.” Here’s how to save some of your hard earned money.

Think small. Really, really small. That’s macro photography in a nutshell.

Cute ladybug close ups, details of the human eye, fine hairs on a bee, and pollen grains in a flower are all visible with macro photography. That is the allure of macro photography, you get to see this semi-invisible world that’s in right front of us every day.

If your camera could actually talk to you and give you advice on how to improve your photography game, these are the 12 things it would tell you.

What is ISO? What does ISO mean when it comes to photography?

First of all, let’s get the pronunciation part out of the way. You will hear people pronounce ISO as “eye-so” or “eye-ess-oh.” The correct pronunciation is “eye-so.” Some may argue that ISO stands for International Standards Organization and therefore as an acronym it must be “eye-ess-oh.” This is incorrect.

In discussion groups and photography groups you see questions about lenses from shoppers and the number one thing they want to know is if a lens is “sharp.” What many beginning photographers don’t understand is that lenses are not sharp at every aperture value and at every possible distance (especially with zoom lenses).

Are mirrorless cameras the way of the future? Are DSLRs going the way of the Dodo bird? Which is better?

The question of which is better, like so many other questions in photography, does not have a “right” answer and is subject to much debate. Similar to the debates of Canon vs. Nikon or film vs digital… there are merits on both sides.

Are you interested in product photography as a business you can start at home? Do you need to promote your own products, such as jewelry, on a website like Etsy? Maybe you are looking for photography ideas just for fun? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then you need to keep reading! We’re going to explain the simplest product photography setups that are also budget friendly using items you probably already have around the house. So let’s get started!

You have a new camera, or a camera that’s been on the shelf, and you haven’t started using it...yet.

Why not?

Does it feel like you are jumping off without a parachute or safety net? This is a very common feeling!

The short answer is yes!

Do expert or professional photographers always use manual mode? The short answer is no they don’t (unless they do one of a few specific genres of photography all the time).

Whether it’s to celebrate the New Year, Fourth of July, Diwali, or a birthday in the backyard, here are a few tips to capture those sparkly, colorful delights!