Flower Power

Well the April showers did not disappoint, and whether it’s blooming trees or beautiful gardens, the May flowers are here. Stop and smell the roses, and then take a couple shots for good measure! Here are some ideas and tips to imbue your photography with flower power!

Get higher
The most common angle for shooting flowers seems to be straight on, and while this angle does provide the most classic flower profile, consider a different angle and see where it takes you. Get down really low and shoot UP, capturing sun and blue sky (or taller flowers and green trees) in the background. 

Shooting up yields a striking blue background, the sky!

Or get up high, stand on a chair, a ladder, climb a tree,  (carefully!), or just stand up and see what the different perspective yields.

Stand out in a crowd
Shallow depth of field is probably the most satisfying way to photograph a single flower or small group. By isolating your subject against delightful bokeh you highlight the beauty of that single bloom. To do this you’ll need a lens that can achieve this effect, like a Sigma 50mm 1.4 or the Sigma 18-250 f3.5/6.3. Or try isolating for color, for example look for the one renegade yellow blossom among all the red ones, or the single flower blooming in an unlikely place.

All together now
We've all seen the images of the Dutch tulip fields, where large blocks of color are made up by millions of individual blossoms. If you can’t travel to the Netherlands for a shot like that, try to imitate it where you are. Here’s where a higher angle can make it look like the expanse of flowers is larger than it really is, and maybe a little reminiscent of that color block appearance.

Flowers +
Despite the whole April showers bringing flowers thing, when it comes to photographs, sunshine and flowers just seem like the perfect couple. But as we mentioned in our post about Macro photography, sometimes after a rain is better time to shoot, as if you’re shooting close up you can have the added interest of tiny water droplets on the flower petals. But if the day is sunny, don’t fret, there are still ways to add some interest to your flower image. If you shoot at a low angle, you can capture some sun flare, and let’s face it is there anything that says summer better than a shot of a field of flowers and some sun flare?

Shallow DOF and sun flare can add dramatic flair to a simple image of a flower.

You can also ask a friend to pose at the edge of the frame, adding scale and interest to an otherwise static image. Or if you’re shooting from your full height, how about an image that includes your feet? The tips of your shoes are always a fun, personal way to add yourself to an image without crossing into “selfie” territory.

Up close
Last month we discussed some great tips for macro photography, including flowers, so if you missed it, *shameless plug* here’s the link. If your bag contains a macro lens, you're in business, if you don't have one and are looking to start out on a budget, check out the Sigma 18-250mm f3.5/6.3

Lighting
Sometimes Mother Nature doesn't cooperate when it comes to lighting, so reflectors are a good way to add a little bit of control to natural light. Use flash carefully, as it can wash out the colors, but if you need the extra boost, pair it with a diffuser like this LumiQuest UltraSoft to soften up the light.

With a dose of creativity, minimal gear and maybe some sunscreen, you can make evocative images that might inspire you to stop and smell (and shoot) the flowers more often!

Ready for Your Close Up? Macro Photography Tips!

April showers may bring May flowers, but if you're like us, you're noticing buds and shoots coming out all over the place already. If you've been thinking about getting into macro photography, there’s no better time than spring to do it. We hope these tips and gear suggestions get you out of the house and shooting all the buds and bugs!

Macro Lenses
The obvious first step is the right lens. If you're on a budget, you can start out with a multi-purpose lens like this one from Sigma .The Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 lets you get close, while still keeping some distance between you and your subject (helpful if you don’t want to anger bees or wasps or spiders!). With the flip of a switch you can change to macro, so without changing the distance between camera and subject, you can change the shooting magnification. Cool!

Lighting
We love this ring light from Sigma. The Modeling Flash function on this makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. You can also use your usual off camera flash with a strobe to really freeze the little critters OR mount your Ice Light for additional natural light.

Tripods
When using a longer focal length to get back a bit from your subject, you'll need a tripod to keep it steady. If you're using a flash, you can get away with hand held but if you don't want to risk frightening an insect with a sudden flash then a tripod is for you. We'll have these models at a whopping 25% off with a coupon code in our newsletter. Sign up and don't miss the savings! 

Aside from the gear, please pack a good supply of patience when first attempting macro photography. Insects may not perch exactly where you want them and you may want to wait for a dragonfly or butterfly to have their wings flat or all the way up before snapping them. Also:

• Don't curse the April showers as right after a rain can be a great time to head out and shoot; flowers and leaves covered with delicate, magnifying and reflecting raindrops bring additional interest to your macro shot.


• Don't fret if you don't have a wildflower meadow in your backyard, your macro photography doesn't have to be exotic flowers or elusive insects, a simple blade of grass with a few drops of dew or rain is simply beautiful! 

Simple subject + April Shower = well executed macro!

• Do check your screen for a preview of what you're about to shoot (I call this “pre-chimping”); your eye might miss something that your camera is picking up, so make sure that there are no leaves or twigs or other distracting elements sticking into the corner of your frame.


• Check your angle! Could you move slightly below your subject and maybe change the background from something drab to something green or the blue sky? Will moving higher provide an even more interesting perspective? Don't get stuck just shooting straight on at the same distance all the time.


• Finally, get some inspiration by checking out some online galleries of macro photography. This is what comes up when you do a search for “macro” on Flickr. 

Experiment and with these tips you’ll have BIG fun shooting tiny subjects!

Spring Cleaning for your Camera

It's starting to feel like spring, so it's time to look toward ahead and prep your photo gear for the longer days and warmer temperatures ahead.

Step one is to pull out your camera bag, never mind that you haven’t switched lenses since taking pictures of the kids on Christmas morning, we’re going to fix all that. Check your camera strap for wear. If it’s showing signs of weakening, replace it, you don’t want your camera hanging by a thread, literally!

This is a great time to clean your sensor. It can be tricky which is why lots of people put it off, but there are a bunch of kits on the market and plenty of tuts to show you how to do it yourself. We like this one from Digital Photography School.

Clean your lenses. Don’t just wipe them with the corner of your shirt (we've all done it!), get an honest to goodness lens cleaning kit like this one from Hoodman  and get them sparkling. As you pull out each lens, make sure it has a lens cap (we all know how easy it is to lose these!) and if you're missing any, make a list to replace them. Also, think about what kind of shooting you do most often and what you *want *to be shooting. Did you make a New Year’s resolution to shoot macro? Wide angle?

We all know that April showers are ahead so why not pick up a rain cover while you’re at it and be prepared.

Do you have enough memory cards? Check the ones you have, and make sure they too are stored properly in a case to avoid damage which can mean losing image files. We like the lifetime guarantee on this Hoodman card.

Finally, and most importantly, keep your camera and lenses safe and snug in a bag or case that’s appropriate. Protect your camera against dust and dings and who knows what else by storing it in a proper bag or case.  This goes double for your lenses! Check out our lens cases!

TIP: We'll be running a sale on our full line of bags and cases with a coupon code for our newsletter subscribers. Sign up now and don't miss it! 

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a chore, just think about all the photographs you'll make with spiffed up photo gear!

Photographer's Guide to Enjoying a Snow Day

Walking in a winter wonderland is certainly picturesque, but taking great images in a snowy landscape has a unique set of challenges. Exposure, white balance, glare, composition and even planning out where to walk can figure strongly in whether your photographs capture the magic of the sparkling drifts or end up in the slush pile.

First, always overexpose for snow! It’s sounds contrary to logic because it’s all one big white reflector but your camera’s meter will get confused and flatten everything out to mid grey so go up by 1 ½ to 2 stops.

If you’re shooting faces with a snowy scene as a backdrop, you can use fill flash, preferably off camera. But again remember all that snow acts like a reflector so be careful! Aimed incorrectly it can bounce off the snow and will be too bright. If it's actually snowing while you're shooting, the flash will turn those lacy flakes into big white blobs.

To capture falling snow, use a tripod so you can lengthen your shutter speed for a streaky effect. We like this sturdy Induro Carbon 8X. A faster shutter will stop snow in its tracks for a more romantic look. When it’s snowing the sky will be overcast so the shot may look dull or even a bit eerie and ominous. You can pop on a polarizing filter (like these listed here, now 20% off with code SDCFL20!) to deepen the sky and any colors that are in the frame.

Bright sunny blue skies can really cause glare from the snow, so don’t forget a lens hood! Also, this is another situation where the polarizing filter comes in handy as it can help eliminate some of the glare and really pops the blue skies. 

A polarizing filter can cut glare and deepen the blue of the winter sky.

Snow should be white, not grey or blue, so set your white balance by aiming at a large clean patch of snow. Alternatively, give your images more light by way of over exposing, you can always tone it down in post if you go overboard.

Don’t compose your images so that they’re all white! If you can, find a spot of color, an evergreen branch, red berries, or someone dressed in a bright color jacket or hat. And remember you don’t always have to shoot a wide expanse, get close in to a small branch piled up with snow and ice or a tiny resilient tree poking through a drift.

Look for small details and pops of color to add depth to your snow shots. 

Be mindful of where you’re walking and make sure you don’t mar a pristine snowscape with your own footprints. If you want to shoot that area later, you’ll be disappointed unless the footprints are part of the composition.

Finally, it should go without saying but dress warmly! Waterproof boots and gloves or mittens that can come off and on quickly are a must! Kids aren't the only ones who get to enjoy snow days; get out in the snow and get shooting!

The Sigma 50mm EX DG HSM vs the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art lens by Jack Howard

About Jack Howard: Jack Howard first picked up an SLR camera as a teenager years ago and has been exploring the photographic process ever since. Starting in the wet darkroom and now exploring cutting-edge digital imaging techniques, he's thoroughly embraced the evolution of the photographic process. 
Jack is Sigma Corporation of America's New Media Specialist, where he blogs, builds community, and shares his passion for photography with loyal and future Sigma customers every day.


The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | A sets the new benchmark for fast standard prime lenses for full-frame DSLRs, and is offered at a very fair price for its total performance. And the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, originally introduced in 2008, is still in production; and it remains an exceptional fast fifty designed for both the performance and build expectations of professional photographers at a price that puts it well within reach of enthusiasts looking for both fantastic optics, and a pro build quality. Choosing either one of these full-frame Sigma 50mm F1.4 stablemates over an OEM lens is a wise choice. Choosing which one is exactly right for your bag really is basically a matter of budget, plus weight and size considerations. But either way, adding one of these Sigma 50mm F1.4s to your kit is a great idea.

To repeat, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is still in production, and ships for a pretty fantastic street price,  especially right now with $100 Instant Savings through February 28th.  

The original high-performance 50mm F1.4 

At 3.3” x 2.7” and weighing in at 17.8 ounces, this lens is heavy and stocky. Packing eight elements in six groups, it close focuses to 17.7 inches at 1:7.4 magnification. Nine rounded aperture blades and an aspherical element make for pleasing defocused and focused image elements, while a full-time manual-focus ring allows for on-the-fly adjustments.



The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | A was announced last year and has been the talk of the photography world ever since. 

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 SG HSM Art Lens

Pairing world-beating optics and imaging performance with a hypersonic motor for fast, quiet AF, along with four zone microtuning, wrist-flick Manual focus override and firmware updates via the USB Dock, this lens has already gained a number of prestigious awards, and earned tons of positive reviews from the most demanding photographers around the world. Physically, it is a very large standard lens, at 3.4” x 3.9 inches and weighing in at 28.7 ounces. Much of that weight comes form the 13 elements in 8 groups, so it is a more complex optical design. Super low dispersion glass and super multi-layer lens coatings, along with nine round aperture blades renders photographs with extraordinary image quality. Field distortion is virtually non-existent. Demand is still incredibly high, and supplies are still very limited thanks to its very fair street price but both the Nikon and Canon mounts are in stock at SuperDigitalCity and ready to ship!


So, really, what it comes down to is total performance, budget, physical size considerations, and availability to determine which Sigma 50mm F1.4 is right for you. Especially when offered with Instant Savings, like it is right now*, the 50mm EX DG HSM is an incredible bargain for a lens of this caliber. And it is ten ounces lighter, and overall noticeably smaller, both in the hand and when hauling a camera bag. The 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | A lens is larger and heavier, as it is designed with an eye first and foremost at performance above all else. It is heavy, but it is balanced, and even though it is priced significantly more than the 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, it is still more economical than the OEM lenses it leaves in the dust in terms of overall performance and value. 

This is a world-class lens. Worldwide demand remains incredibly high, because photographers and videographers have truly fallen for all this lens offers. Whether you choose the original high-performance 50mm EX or the incredible new Art 50mm, you’ll be adding a fantastic fast F1.4 standard prime to your kit, and both ship with a four-year Sigma USA warranty when you buy from SuperDigitalCity! 

At F4 here both lenses show great focal plane sharpness on the flowers in the foreground and lovely background rendering. But when going wide open to F1.4, the Art lens definitely outperforms the EX version. 

The Art 50 has the edge in close-focusing
over the original EX 50mm.

The same scene captured
with the EX 50mm.

Jack's book, Practical HDRI, 2nd Edition, High Dynamic Range Imaging Using Photoshop CS5 and Other Tools is now available through many bookstores and online book sites.

Congratulations to Laura Johnson!

Big congrats are in order for Laura Johnson who was the winner in our Erin Manning Holiday Giveaway!  Laura has won the Erin Manning Home Studio Lighting Kit by Westcott, with 2 lights, 2 stands, 2 softboxes, PLUS a DigiTent and instructional DVD! We can't wait to see the great images you take with the kit, Laura, so @ us on Twitter, post on our Facebook wall or leave some images in the comments here!
And a big thanks to everyone who entered! 

The Erin Manning Home Studio Lighting Kit by Westcott 

It's that time of year again and for those of you with a photographer on your gift list, the choices can be daunting; there's a lot of great gear out there! But never fear, don't lose your holiday cheer because SDC is here with our Holiday Gift Guide! We've made our own list and checked it twice, it's got the best, most giveable gifts that any photographer would love to unwrap. There's something for every budget, even a few stocking stuffers. So don't stress, there really IS a great gift for everyone!

For the photographer who wants to carry their gear in style, we love the Mini Messenger from Tenba. Sturdy and stylish, this gem holds an SLR body, 2-3 lenses and your flash attachment plus other smaller accessories. And speaking of gems, it comes in 7 colors! At just under $100, a great value! $93.95

The Mini Messenger from Tenba

For the travel photographer on your list, the Tenba Shootout Backpack is just the ticket! This backpack is roomy and comfortable enough for a long hike, yet sleek enough for a high end wedding. At just under $200, a terrific value. 

The Tenba Shootout Backpack

Got a portrait photographer on your list? They're probably hoping for a LumiQuest location/portrait kit! Includes the Soft Box III, FXtra gel set and TWO Ultra Straps in one lightweight kit that can go anywhere, so put it under the tree! $94.95 price tag makes this kit a must!

The LumiQuest Location/Portrait kit

We love the MeFoto DayTrip tripod. This small tripod is in two sections and can support up to 8.8 pounds making it a great choice for P&S, mirrorless and compact DSLRs. A single action ballhead, mini arca-swiss style plate, 8 sassy colors and carrying case with shoulder strap round out this great gift package! $119.00

The MeFoto DayTrip tripod

Want a gift that keeps on giving? How about a Hoodman H Line SDHC card? Rugged Hoodman quality plus a lifetime guarantee? This gift gets our vote! 

The Hoodman H Line SDHC card

From X-Rite comes this time (and headache) saver, the ColorChecker Passport. This handy tool fits in your bag and contains three targets so you can get your color just right. Also allows you to use any shot to create a profile, saving time in your workflow later.

For the photographer that likes to wear her/his heart (and love of photography) on their tees, these fun camera/photography themed tees and totes over at the The PhotoBrigade are iconic and cool. Pick one up for yourself when buying gifts!

For the pro or serious enthusiast, we love the Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art Lens. This new iteration of the 50mm captures subjects crisply with beautiful bokeh. Free the inner artist in your favorite photographer with this premium prime lens! $949.00

Good things DO come in small packages! Check out these stocking stuffers! 

 The LumiQuest Pocket Bouncer will fit in your pocket so of course it’s a perfect fit for a stocking! Soften harsh flash with this 90 degree angle redirect. The whole thing folds flat! $26.95