Gear

Geared Head Review: Arca Swiss Core 75

Geared Head Review: Arca Swiss Core 75

by Dane Alonso
Finally! A review of the latest Arca Swiss geared head — the Core 75 — a.k.a the mini-cube, or the cylinder. The Core 75 is a strong contender to join the ranks of the ultimate geared head among the D4 and the C1 Cube. Even with the amount of marketing around the Core 75, it is still difficult to find accurate information or a review delving into its features and functionality.
Backup Basics for Photographers

Backup Basics for Photographers

by Brandon Vogts
Remember that time on Sex and the City when Carrie went to boot up her laptop and got Sad Mac? If you’ve never blown on a Nintendo cartridge or used a pencil to wind a tape cassette, you’re probably too young to remember Sad Mac (actually, you might also be too young to remember Sex and the City, in which case, thanks for making me feel ancient).
Tall Towers and Tilt-Shifts – Which Lens Should You Use?

Tall Towers and Tilt-Shifts – Which Lens Should You Use?

by Justin Szeremeta
Do I need a tilt-shift lens to photograph tall buildings?  It’s a question I get a lot.  The quick answer is pretty straightforward.  Do you want to do it professionally?  If so, yes, you need one (actually you need two).  Do you want to do it as a hobby? 
The Best Budget Set-Up For Beginner Architectural Photographers

The Best Budget Set-Up For Beginner Architectural Photographers

by Usman Dawood
Architectural photography is one of those genres that tends to have quite a high entry cost. Although there are inexpensive gear options available, wide-angle and tilt-shift lenses generally come with a hefty price tag. For someone just starting out, a $1,900 lens might be a little out of reach.
Extenders in Architectural Photography: Are “Budget” Tilt-Shift Lenses Worth a Try?

Extenders in Architectural Photography: Are “Budget” Tilt-Shift Lenses Worth a Try?

by Dane Alonso
Tilt-shift lenses are great. However, getting two or three of them at the same time comes at a high price.This post summarizes my experience with Canon extenders and tilt-shift lenses, their performance (a 2x on a 24mm tilt-shift, you say?) and why using them has been crucial in developing my personal vision and deciding which lens to acquire next.
How to Watch Canon’s New Product Launch

How to Watch Canon’s New Product Launch

by Dane Alonso
Rumor season is over. On July 9th, Canon will be presenting their whole new lineup of products highlighting the RF mount system via live stream. The event — REIMAGINE — invites us to hear from Canon Ambassadors and experts on the biggest product launch yet.
Convert Your Manfrotto 405/410 Geared Heads to an Arca Mount: F63 Clamp Review

Convert Your Manfrotto 405/410 Geared Heads to an Arca Mount: F63 Clamp Review

by Usman Dawood
When it comes to geared tripod heads, the more popular options on the market are from Manfrotto. The Manfrotto 410 and 405 heads are go-to options for many architectural photographers, mostly due to them being great value for their price. Even I started with the 410 and then moved onto the 405 head, and personally love the heads I currently have.
How to Straighten Your Images in Photoshop and Lightroom

How to Straighten Your Images in Photoshop and Lightroom

by Usman Dawood
One of the cardinal rules for architectural photography is that vertical lines must remain vertical. It’s considered bad form in many instances to photograph a building and have it look like it’s falling backwards, or heavily distorted. Unfortunately, there may be times when it just isn’t possible to achieve this in camera and some post production is required.
APALMANAC Reviews the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II (Versus the Manfrotto 405 Geared Head)

APALMANAC Reviews the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II (Versus the Manfrotto 405 Geared Head)

by Usman Dawood
One of the key bits of equipment an architectural photographer is pretty much required to have, is a good geared tripod head. I would say it’s pretty difficult to photograph architecture without having one of these. For many architectural photographers, including myself, our first geared tripod heads are probably one of the two options available from Manfrotto.
The MacBook Air: Possibly The Best Laptop For Location Shooting

The MacBook Air: Possibly The Best Laptop For Location Shooting

by Usman Dawood
Most architectural photographers prefer to shoot while tethered to a laptop or tablet device. The main reason for this is because the screens on the backs of almost all cameras tend to be pretty poor, and pretty small. This is true even for more expensive medium format cameras; although their screens are better, they’re still not that great.
Gear Advice for Those Just Starting out in Architectural Photography

Gear Advice for Those Just Starting out in Architectural Photography

by Usman Dawood
For those of you that are just starting out in architectural photography, or thinking about joining the industry, you may have a lot of questions. Hopefully, the majority of those questions are about learning how to shoot as opposed to what to shoot with; however, the gear you use does still matter.
Announcing the APAlmanac Store!

Announcing the APAlmanac Store!

by Mike Kelley
We are happy to announce that we are opening our store this week, which includes classic pieces from APA’s storied “history” – including our emotional support mugs and bingo mugs for those days when you just need a laugh before heading out to shoot, or tote bags to carry all of your accumulated props and snacks to and from the set!
How To Remove Yourself From a Mirror In a Photograph With an “Invisible” Camera

How To Remove Yourself From a Mirror In a Photograph With an “Invisible” Camera

by Usman Dawood
Many of us architectural photographers are no strangers to a good tilt-shift lens. We probably even have a favorite that we use regularly for most of our shoots. My personal favorite is the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 II. Although I don’t shoot with it as much as I do the 45mm, I still prefer the 24mm over the other tilt-shift lenses.
Three Things I Hate About Tripods

Three Things I Hate About Tripods

by Usman Dawood
In my view, the most tedious and frustrating bit of equipment that I need to take with me to any meaningful shoot is a tripod. Most tripods are cumbersome, heavy and, unwieldy. They’re a pain to carry around and I absolutely hate them. Don’t get me wrong, I love the results I’m able to produce with a tripod, I just hate everything else about them.
Here’s Why the Highly Underrated Canon EOS RP Is a Brilliant Option for Architectural Photographers

Here’s Why the Highly Underrated Canon EOS RP Is a Brilliant Option for Architectural Photographers

by Usman Dawood
Most of my reviews and articles tend to be about the “best” cameras and gear; I’m all about high-resolution and super sharp lenses. Honestly, for many of us including myself, the “best” doesn’t really matter that much anymore. In more recent times I’ve been more conscious about my expenses and as a result, the camera that keeps coming up on my radar is the Canon EOS RP.
Ten Ways to Get the Most out of Your Tripod

Ten Ways to Get the Most out of Your Tripod

by Usman Dawood
Tripods are not the most glamorous bits of gear that many photographers own. In fact, I generally hate using a tripod. Not because it doesn’t produce the results I want, it’s just such a pain to carry around; especially the heavier ones which are also, unfortunately, the more useful ones.
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