It’s been an exciting year for photography! From coverage on themirrorless camera revolution, to exciting expeditions with National Geographic photographers, we strive to create engaging, informative content for hobbyists and pros alike. As you can see from the list of ALC’s most-read articles of 2015, this past year brought us lots of innovations in camera technology, exciting travel photography stories, and opinionated gear guides and reviews.
1.12 Great Digital Cameras for Travel Photography
Planning a road trip? 2015 introduced a new generation of cameras for the well-travelled photographer, all offering better image quality in smaller and lighter packages. However, with so many different camera models to choose from, making the right choice can be daunting. Here’s a look at a dozen cameras that we think are well-suited for travel photography.
2.What’s the Best Travel Tripod?
Don’t forget the tripod on your next trip! If you are traveling by plane and plan to bring a tripod with you, weight—and especially size—count. You’ll also have to make practical considerations in materials depending if you’ll be trekking through mud, needing something stable in snow or icy mountain trails, or something that is simply quick to set up for photography on the fly. Which models fit in your carry-on bag?
3.Building the Home Studio Part 1: Space and Essential Shooting Gear
You love photographing people and have decided to make the leap from a part-time hobbyist to becoming a part-time or full-time professional studio photographer. Photography can already be an expensive hobby, and some of you might not be able to afford separate studio space.In this first installment of a monthly series, we guide you through building your own photo studio from the ground up.
4.How I Lit the Shot: A Celebrity Photo Shoot with Neil Patrick Harris
Some photo shoots last an entire day, others, like this particular instance with Neil Patrick Harris for LG’s OLED TV, you are only given a little over two hours to make the photo magic happen. Preparation and a planned lighting scheme are key. Commerical photographer Roberto Chamorroprovides a detailed behind-the-scenes look, including gear guide, and diagram with lighting positions for a success and stress-free shoot.
5.On Assignment for National Geographic: The Long Shadow of Chernobyl
Internationally renowned photographer Gerd Ludwig has been working primarily for National Geographic Magazine since 1989. His focus on environmental issues and the socio-economic changes in the former Soviet Union resulted most recently inThe Long Shadow of Chernobyl,his 20-year retrospective book documenting the aftermath of the world’s worst nuclear disaster to date. In this personal essay, Ludwig takes us through “the most challenging photographic situation” he’s ever encountered.
6. Digital Cameras for Street Photography: An Opinionated Guide
Veteran writer and street photographer Mason Resnick is back with his take on the latest and greatest cameras available for street photographers. He looks at the key features a good street photography camera will have, then walks us through different price points, sensors and why the Leica M is the gold standard.
7.A Photographer’s Journal: Why I Travel with My Fujifilm X-T1
Popular travel photography blogger and DSLR enthusiast Sandra Eminger describes why she finally turned away from bulky DSLRs for travel in favor ofthe Fujifilm X-T1. Through her beautiful images we see why lighter is better, and in her words why her DSLR was “holding her back” while traveling. Mirrorless cameras are more and more becoming the camera of choice for traveling photographers, and the Fujifilm X-T1 has quickly become a favorite.
8. Sony Showdown: a7 II vs. a7 R vs. a7 S
When the Sony a7 series launched in 2013, mirrorless enthusiasts and professionals everywhere were thrilled. The a7 series was the first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a full-frame sensor to hit the market, and it accomplished this along with attractive features that appealed to enthusiasts and professionals alike. With even more additions to the a7 lineup there is an a7 series camera suitable for any shooting style. Andy Hendrikson takes a look at the different options available.
9.How to Capture a Stunning Sunset
Have you ever became frustrated that you couldn’t quite translate the magic of a beautiful sunset into a photo? If you’ve ever found yourself saying “It looked better in person,” then you’ll want to read this easy tutorial. Having the “eye” for photography is only half the battle, so let’s get to the technical advice first, and learn how to use your camera to your advantage to capture a stunning sunset.
10. Meet a Pro: New York Street Photographer Martin Cartagena
Emerging New York photographer shares a personal essay on his experience as a street photographer who still uses film. Following in the footsteps of Garry Winogrand and Bruce Davidson, Cartagena’s photos showcase the both the beauty and sometimes the bizarre nature of New York City’s denizens.
11.Adorama Must-Haves: Hot New Lenses for Serious Shooters
The world’s leading camera makers and optical companies have unleashed an unprecedented barrage of new lenses over the last year, most targeted at serious enthusiasts and pros aiming to extend their creative options and capture distinctive images that make their work stand out. This mini-trend is part of a larger, but equally impressive optical transformation that’s been quietly taking place over the past few years—lens innovations that encompass every camera category from mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras to APS-C and full-frame DSLRs.
12.Sony Alpha a7s Travel Photography: Filmmaker and Pro Surfer Cyrus Sutton
Emmy-winningfilmmaker and professional surferCyrus Suttontakes us on a journeywith aSony Alpha a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera.Sutton will be finishing up his next documentary film,Island Earth, next year, and filmed many of the interviews using the Sony Alpha a7S. Looking at his breathtaking images, it’s easy to see why the Sony Alpha a 7s family is a great choice for both video and still photography.
13. Buying Guide: Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography featuring Lloyd Spitalnik
The old adage in real estate is location, location, location. For wildlife photography my mantra is glass, glass, glass. Renowned wildlife photographer Lloyd Spitalnik, explains why the first most important piece of equipment is a really good glass, while the camera is second. As a professional photographer for the past 20 years, Spitalnik’s stunning images are a combination of choosing the right gear and learning how to properly use it.
