[Pho.Talk] Learn from Diane Arbus: Influences, Techniques, Legacy

April 14, 2022 in Photography Inspiration

Born to Jewish parents, David Nemerov and Gertrude Russek Nemerov, in 1923, Diane Arbus grew up in a wealthy family in New York. The family owned a department store Russek’s, which expanded into women’s fashion. Having studied art, Diane began her creative pursuits in painting. She later met Allan Arbus, her husband to-be, while both working at Russek’s. She was married to Allan at the age of 18, who gifted her with a camera. Diane began dabbling with photography, which evolved into her career for life.

[Pho.Snap] Are UV Filters Worth It? Pros and Cons

March 08, 2022 in Camera & Gear

For digital shooters, the main reason to use a UV filter is to protect the front element of the lens. Digital sensors are largely insensitive to UV radiation. With a UV filter on, you can avoid having to wipe the lens directly. It is also a cheap solution to scratches. This sort of protection is especially essential for shooting in the rain or in violent situations, for example.

[Pho.Talk] Complete Guide to Buying Photography Gear Online

March 03, 2022 in Camera & Gear

Yes, and you can get a lot out of it if you do it properly - buy the right type of gear at the right time, and do your due diligence. The online camera market has its own proposition that is very different from the physical market. It is particular favourable for certain types of camera gear like used lenses, accessories and kits, for example.

[Pho.Snap] Shoot Horizontal or Vertical? Cameras and Smartphones

February 24, 2022 in Camera & Gear

It is largely a matter of personal preference and depends on a myriad of factors, including subject, intended composition and output format among others. In general, landscapes, group portraits are horizontal; people portraits are vertical. But these are highly simplified guides and are rarely definitive as to which a photographer prefers.

[Pho.Talk] The Definitive Guide to Zoom Lenses

January 25, 2022 in Camera & Gear

While things have changed drastically today in how zoom lenses fare against its prime counterparts, it is still somewhat true that the quality of zoom lenses could fluctuate quite a bit.

In this article, we will look how and when professional photographers use zoom lenses, whether they are worth the investment, and what to look out for in choosing a zoom lens fit for your needs.

[Pho.Talk] Guide to Investing Smart in Lenses and Camera Bodies

January 15, 2022 in Camera & Gear, Photography Inspiration

At various stages of doing photography, both as a hobby or a career, photographers commonly find themselves at a point where they begin outgrowing their gear.

This article serves as a guide on investing in camera gear, addressing issues in relation to what to upgrade, and when.

[Pho.Edit] To Edit or not to edit? A Pro's take on photo editing, film or digital

January 06, 2022 in Photography Editing

In this article, I address questions in relation to the propriety of photo editing, in both digital and analogue spaces, from the perspective of a professional photographer. I will also share tips and examples on how to edit photos like a pro, including top mistakes to avoid.

[Pho.Snap] All about DX Coding, Films and Cameras

January 03, 2022 in Film Photography

DX code is an elaborate system originally designed by Kodak, as a solution to the passage of information between film cartridges, cameras and film development machines. Such information includes film speed, film type, manufacturer, frame count etc. This article explains how it works and how to use it.

[Pho.Snap] How Pros Shoot Night Photography on Streets without Tripods

December 30, 2021 in Camera & Gear

In this article, from my experience of shooting action on streets as a press photographer, I will share the common problems that night photos suffer from, namely grain and shake, and offer my two cents on the best practices by myself and fellow professional photographers on how to maintain a high quality of shots at night.

[Pho.Snap] Definitive Guide to Pushing/Pulling C-41 and b&w Film

November 08, 2021 in Film Photography

This guide covers all basics about pushing and pulling black and white and colour negative film. A downloadable pdf is included that contains the time charts for pushing and pulling common black and white film stocks. Detailed but easy to follow explanations are provided regarding the effects fo pushing and pulling film.

[Pho.Snap] All About Kodak D-76 Powder Developer

October 16, 2021 in Film Photography

D76 is one of the most classic developer that is highly reliable and versatile. It is often taken as the industry benchmark against which newer developers are compared.

In this article, we will study various properties of the D76, in relation to its storage, dilution and usage.

[Pho.Snap] What you Need to Know About Film Grain

October 01, 2021 in Film Photography

This article walks you through the basic mechanism behind film grain, so that you can make the right decisions to achieve the look that you like in your work.

[Pho.Talk] How to Choose your 35mm Film (ISO + Brand)

September 19, 2021 in Film Photography

This article walks you through the considerations to make in choosing a 35mm film, with recommendations of the specific brand and ISO to get your started. This article walks you through the considerations to make in choosing a 35mm film, with recommendations of the specific brand and ISO for a particular situation to get your started. Sample images are included.

[Pho.Talk] Top Camera Lens Combinations for Travel Photography

September 12, 2021 in Camera & Gear, Travel Photography

Deciding on the best lens or lens combination to take when travelling can be a massive headache. This article sheds light on the main considerations that you should be making to arrive at the best decision for your photo needs. We will also study the suitability of various focal lengths for travel photography.

[Pho.Snap] Do you actually need flash diffusers? Pros & Cons

August 24, 2021 in Camera & Gear

No, because flash diffusers are only going to have an effect under a narrow set of circumstances. Where not used properly, it leads to a waste of flash power and is an unnecessary extra weight to carry. There are better ways to soften light and remove specular highlights that would be more worth the money.

[Pho.Talk] Is the Olympus XA a Good Camera?

August 20, 2021 in Camera & Gear, Film Photography

Overall, the Olympus gives excellent image sharpness and contrast at around f/5.6, though exhibiting some edge aberration and vignetting. It is extremely lightweight and pocketable even with the flash unit mounted, providing no excuse to not bring it out. It can meter from ISO 25-800, which together with a 35mm lens, makes a solid all-rounded everyday camera.

[Pho.Snap] What Does a Good Film Negative Look Like?

August 14, 2021 in Film Photography

A good negative is one that is capable of creating a good print or scan. It contains a rich range of tonalities, decent reflection of grain structure and is free from blemishes. Generally, its tonalities should touch on a majority of zones, as posited by Ansel Adams, from whites to highlights, midtones, shadows, and to the blacks. When handled properly, it should not have scratches, dust, watermarks which can lead to difficulties in printing.

[Pho.Snap] FULL GUIDE on Developing Film with a Lab

July 14, 2021 in Film Photography

This article covers the factors that beginner film shooters should consider before deciding where to send their films for processing, and what to look out for in the various service offerings.

[Pho.Snap] Guide to Always Getting Sharp Film Photos

July 02, 2021 in Film Photography

The most common reasons that lead to unsharp film photos are motion blur, caused by using too slow a shutter speed; missed focus, caused by not having enough depth of field to work with; and underexposure, caused by not exposing for the shadows. To get sharper film photos, the photographer should gain a good understanding of film speeds and choose the right film stock for a particular job. Knowing the mechanical limitations of certain film cameras is also crucial.