https://apalmanac.com A resource for working professional photographers and design industry professionals featuring news, commentary, equipment resources, and original articles Mon, 27 May 2024 14:07:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 156681027 https://apalmanac.com/gear/laowa-lens-review-184191 https://apalmanac.com/gear/laowa-lens-review-184191#comments Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:06:50 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=184191 The Laowa 20mm Zero-D Shift is a reliable choice for those seeking to incorporate shift capabilities into their setup. This lens provides a compelling entry point from both image quality and price perspectives. Laowa Lens is also giving APA readers 10% off either the 15mm or 20mm shift lenses. ]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/laowa-lens-review-184191/feed 12 184191 https://apalmanac.com/gear/christophe-benard-compares-fujifilm-gfx100-ii-sony-a7r-v-phase-one-iq260-183228 https://apalmanac.com/gear/christophe-benard-compares-fujifilm-gfx100-ii-sony-a7r-v-phase-one-iq260-183228#comments Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:59:15 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=183228 So here we are, 2024 has come, and the choice for camera systems is better than ever. Christophe Bénard had the opportunity to test the Fujifilm GFX100 II and its new Tilt-Shift lenses. How does this combo compare to Sony and the Phase One digital back?source:]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/christophe-benard-compares-fujifilm-gfx100-ii-sony-a7r-v-phase-one-iq260-183228/feed 6 183228 https://apalmanac.com/gear/gifts-for-architectural-photographers-a-few-things-to-make-life-easier-182989 https://apalmanac.com/gear/gifts-for-architectural-photographers-a-few-things-to-make-life-easier-182989#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=182989 The Christmas holidays are approaching, and with them, the rise of consumerism. Many people are thinking about gifts and creating lists of gift suggestions. Articles on the APA website are typically read by photographers themselves rather than their loved ones.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/gifts-for-architectural-photographers-a-few-things-to-make-life-easier-182989/feed 1 182989 https://apalmanac.com/gear/shimoda-has-a-new-backpack-on-the-way-heres-my-thoughts-on-their-existing-models-182736 https://apalmanac.com/gear/shimoda-has-a-new-backpack-on-the-way-heres-my-thoughts-on-their-existing-models-182736#comments Mon, 04 Dec 2023 14:51:55 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=182736 For several months, I’ve been testing camera rolling backpacks, using several models from the Thinktank company as examples. I wrote a fairly long article about it, which you can still read. After an extended period of working and traveling with a rolling backpack, however, I found myself longing for a classic camera backpack.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/shimoda-has-a-new-backpack-on-the-way-heres-my-thoughts-on-their-existing-models-182736/feed 1 182736 https://apalmanac.com/opinion/adobe-lightroom-or-capture-one-a-subjective-comparison-part-two-182325 https://apalmanac.com/opinion/adobe-lightroom-or-capture-one-a-subjective-comparison-part-two-182325#comments Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=182325 In the first part of this series, where I discussed my subjective reflections related to photo post-processing in Lightroom and Capture One, I covered topics such as types of licenses, program interfaces, tethering, and the difference between a catalog and a session.]]> https://apalmanac.com/opinion/adobe-lightroom-or-capture-one-a-subjective-comparison-part-two-182325/feed 4 182325 https://apalmanac.com/opinion/adobe-lightroom-or-capture-one-a-subjective-comparison-part-one-182043 https://apalmanac.com/opinion/adobe-lightroom-or-capture-one-a-subjective-comparison-part-one-182043#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=182043 I remember the first time I used Adobe Lightroom. It had to be around the year 2008. It was a shock to me back then. I mainly had used Photoshop before, which is a powerful tool, but especially at that time, it wasn’t well-suited for quickly editing a large number of photos.]]> https://apalmanac.com/opinion/adobe-lightroom-or-capture-one-a-subjective-comparison-part-one-182043/feed 8 182043 https://apalmanac.com/gear/after-several-months-of-using-rolling-backpacks-on-shoots-here-is-what-ive-learned-181493 https://apalmanac.com/gear/after-several-months-of-using-rolling-backpacks-on-shoots-here-is-what-ive-learned-181493#comments Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:04:14 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=181493 As professional photographers, we need to be able to sell not only our photographs but also ourselves – our image. It’s not just about the clients you’ve worked with, the quality of your portfolio, or the prices and deadlines you offer. Many clients, often unconsciously, are also buying you as a person.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/after-several-months-of-using-rolling-backpacks-on-shoots-here-is-what-ive-learned-181493/feed 15 181493 https://apalmanac.com/gear/__trashed-180648 https://apalmanac.com/gear/__trashed-180648#comments Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=180648 Not everyone who takes photos needs to have a tripod. However, in architectural photography, a camera practically doesn’t exist without a tripod. Moreover, it is worth having more than one tripod! Many people believe that the optimal solution is to have three models…A large, versatile “workhorse” tripod (such as the previously mentioned Leofoto LM-324CL or the competing Gitzo GT3543XLS) A medium-sized tripod that we can always take with us, for example, in carry-on luggage or attach to a backpack when going hiking (Albrecht Voss described the Gitzo GK2545T-82QD model) A pocket-sized tabletop tripod that can be useful in specific situations (check out Mike Kelley’s review of the Platypod or the Gitzo Mini Traveler Tabletop Tripod).This]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/__trashed-180648/feed 3 180648 https://apalmanac.com/gear/putting-the-leofoto-lm-324cl-tripod-through-its-paces-180232 https://apalmanac.com/gear/putting-the-leofoto-lm-324cl-tripod-through-its-paces-180232#respond Wed, 15 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=180232 A tripod can serve as support for both the camera and the photographer who is exhausted after a long photo session. It can also be a declaration of the photographer’s presence, expressing their intention to capture their subject. During documentary projects, I have consciously used a large format analog camera placed on a tripod, which drew the attention of passersby and became a pretext for conversation, facilitating the establishment of contact with people I wanted to photograph, for example, to take their portraits.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/putting-the-leofoto-lm-324cl-tripod-through-its-paces-180232/feed 0 180232 https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-best-glove-for-architectural-photographers-180126 https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-best-glove-for-architectural-photographers-180126#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=180126 Have you ever had freezing hands during a photoshoot or drone flight? Look no further, as today I present you the best winter glove for photographers.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-best-glove-for-architectural-photographers-180126/feed 5 180126 https://apalmanac.com/gear/one-more-geared-head-apalmanac-reviews-the-leofoto-g4-179897 https://apalmanac.com/gear/one-more-geared-head-apalmanac-reviews-the-leofoto-g4-179897#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=179897 For some time now, I’ve been convinced that a better tripod or tripod head doesn’t make me a better photographer or improve my photographs in any way. That being said, it definitely makes my life easier and more satisfying instead of difficult. That’s why as a professional architecture photographer I always use carbon tripods from Gitzo with heads and accessories from: Arca Swiss, Really Right Stuff and Sunwayfoto. ]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/one-more-geared-head-apalmanac-reviews-the-leofoto-g4-179897/feed 17 179897 https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-gitzo-gk2545t-82qd-is-the-perfect-light-weight-tripod-for-photographing-architecture-in-extreme-conditions-179407 https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-gitzo-gk2545t-82qd-is-the-perfect-light-weight-tripod-for-photographing-architecture-in-extreme-conditions-179407#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=179407 I have to admit that I have a slight obsession with camera tripods. Over the past ten years, I have accumulated six of them in my office and every one has its own unique use. For my architectural shoots in the mountains, I was looking for a real jack of all trades.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-gitzo-gk2545t-82qd-is-the-perfect-light-weight-tripod-for-photographing-architecture-in-extreme-conditions-179407/feed 2 179407 https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-does-laowas-20mm-lens-stack-up-against-the-canon-24mm-tse-179707 https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-does-laowas-20mm-lens-stack-up-against-the-canon-24mm-tse-179707#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:00:17 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=179707 If you’re into architectural photography, my guess is that you already know about the abilities of tilt-shift lenses. Canon has been on the forefront of this domain for years. More recently Laowa has started to offer an alternative. Now they have both a 15mm and a 20mm option.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-does-laowas-20mm-lens-stack-up-against-the-canon-24mm-tse-179707/feed 1 179707 https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-do-i-carry-all-my-photo-climbing-and-camping-gear-for-multi-day-photo-excursions-shooting-alpine-architecture-the-lowepro-photosport-backpack-pro-70l-aw-iii-179392 https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-do-i-carry-all-my-photo-climbing-and-camping-gear-for-multi-day-photo-excursions-shooting-alpine-architecture-the-lowepro-photosport-backpack-pro-70l-aw-iii-179392#respond Mon, 02 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=179392 Hikes through the Alps are my favorite excursions, in search of new architecture to photograph. Here I have to work out my pictures. For these photo shoots, I usually stay one night on location. This way I reserve the time with the most beautiful light for photography: late afternoon, blue hour, and early morning.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-do-i-carry-all-my-photo-climbing-and-camping-gear-for-multi-day-photo-excursions-shooting-alpine-architecture-the-lowepro-photosport-backpack-pro-70l-aw-iii-179392/feed 0 179392 https://apalmanac.com/gear/searching-for-a-tough-and-well-thought-out-mobile-workstation-look-no-further-than-the-inovativ-digisystem-pro-ultra-kit-179353 https://apalmanac.com/gear/searching-for-a-tough-and-well-thought-out-mobile-workstation-look-no-further-than-the-inovativ-digisystem-pro-ultra-kit-179353#respond Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=179353 For my latest shoot in my ongoing photo series Modern Alpine Architecture, I had the chance to test out a new piece of equipment. Data transfer and protection have always been an essential part of my shoots. Usually, I had my laptop on top of a backpack at the trunk of my car or in the passenger seat.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/searching-for-a-tough-and-well-thought-out-mobile-workstation-look-no-further-than-the-inovativ-digisystem-pro-ultra-kit-179353/feed 0 179353 https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-mavic-you-can-actually-afford-introducing-the-new-dji-mavic-3-classic-178838 https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-mavic-you-can-actually-afford-introducing-the-new-dji-mavic-3-classic-178838#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=178838 DJI released the Mavic 3 back in November of 2021.  This next iteration of their flagship drone brought with it a ton of upgrades users had been eagerly waiting for since its predecessor, the Mavic 2 had been released three years prior.   We wrote a series of articles about this much-anticipated release, including two fantastic deep dives by my fellow APA writer György Palkó that you can find here and here.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/the-mavic-you-can-actually-afford-introducing-the-new-dji-mavic-3-classic-178838/feed 1 178838 https://apalmanac.com/business/a-crm-built-by-photographers-for-photographers-178712 https://apalmanac.com/business/a-crm-built-by-photographers-for-photographers-178712#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=178712 Disclaimer: I loved Sprout Studio so much that I became an ambassador for the brand back in 2020. While I do receive a commission for new users signing up, this application has been a staple in my business since 2015. For anyone interested in trying out the program, please know your support is greatly appreciated and I am here to help if you have any questions.]]> https://apalmanac.com/business/a-crm-built-by-photographers-for-photographers-178712/feed 6 178712 https://apalmanac.com/gear/leofoto-lh-40gr-geared-head-vs-sunwayfoto-gh-pro-ii-178235 https://apalmanac.com/gear/leofoto-lh-40gr-geared-head-vs-sunwayfoto-gh-pro-ii-178235#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=178235 I know for an architectural photographer, the use of a tripod is assumed to be mandatory. It seems like we have our cameras firmly glued to our tripod heads. However, I have to confess that, especially for outdoor shots of buildings, I find the freedom of shooting handheld really liberating.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/leofoto-lh-40gr-geared-head-vs-sunwayfoto-gh-pro-ii-178235/feed 14 178235 https://apalmanac.com/gear/3-reasons-photographers-need-a-camera-cage-178214 https://apalmanac.com/gear/3-reasons-photographers-need-a-camera-cage-178214#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:34:13 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=178214 Camera Cages are just for videographers, right? In this review I am going to show you why I love a cage for my hybrid work between architectural photography and videography. From day one I put my Canon R5 into a camera cage and only let it out of there for trips with the family, where I want to carry minimal equipment.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/3-reasons-photographers-need-a-camera-cage-178214/feed 6 178214 https://apalmanac.com/gear/dji-mavic-3-is-it-worth-the-price-176193 https://apalmanac.com/gear/dji-mavic-3-is-it-worth-the-price-176193#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=176193 The first DJI Mavic Pro was announced in September 2016 and released in late 2016. The small size and the foldable design made me absolutely love it. I used the Mavic Pro for 2 years, and I was very pleased by its capabilities. I even won an architectural photography contest here in Hungary with an image created using that drone.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/dji-mavic-3-is-it-worth-the-price-176193/feed 8 176193 https://apalmanac.com/gear/a-real-world-comparison-of-the-dji-mavic-3-vs-mavic-2-with-architectural-photographer-alex-nye-175104 https://apalmanac.com/gear/a-real-world-comparison-of-the-dji-mavic-3-vs-mavic-2-with-architectural-photographer-alex-nye-175104#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=175104 With all of the hubbub around DJI’s newest drone release, many folks are wondering if it’s worth upgrading their Mavic 2’s to the new, pricier, Mavic 3. Heck, even we’ve been wondering how it stacks up in a real-world performance test after comparing the stats in our Mavic 3 comparison article last week.Our]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/a-real-world-comparison-of-the-dji-mavic-3-vs-mavic-2-with-architectural-photographer-alex-nye-175104/feed 4 175104 https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-well-do-canon-ts-e-lenses-perform-on-a-fujifilm-gfx-100s-body-17226 https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-well-do-canon-ts-e-lenses-perform-on-a-fujifilm-gfx-100s-body-17226#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2021 06:36:42 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=17226 Unless you live under a rock, you probably have heard about the beyond full-frame Fujifilm GFX 100s. Before making the hefty purchase, you might be wondering how your TS-E lenses would perform on the GFX. I’ll be giving you a good look into how the 100s and TS-E combo works together.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/how-well-do-canon-ts-e-lenses-perform-on-a-fujifilm-gfx-100s-body-17226/feed 15 17226 https://apalmanac.com/gear/extenders-in-architectural-photography-are-budget-tilt-shift-lenses-worth-a-try-11614 https://apalmanac.com/gear/extenders-in-architectural-photography-are-budget-tilt-shift-lenses-worth-a-try-11614#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2020 01:14:00 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=11614 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.So,]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/extenders-in-architectural-photography-are-budget-tilt-shift-lenses-worth-a-try-11614/feed 16 11614 https://apalmanac.com/gear/convert-your-manfrotto-405-410-geared-heads-to-an-arca-mount-f63-clamp-review-10731 https://apalmanac.com/gear/convert-your-manfrotto-405-410-geared-heads-to-an-arca-mount-f63-clamp-review-10731#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2020 22:45:45 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=10731 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.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/convert-your-manfrotto-405-410-geared-heads-to-an-arca-mount-f63-clamp-review-10731/feed 4 10731 https://apalmanac.com/gear/apalmanac-reviews-the-sunwayfoto-gh-pro-ii-versus-the-manfrotto-405-geared-head-10672 https://apalmanac.com/gear/apalmanac-reviews-the-sunwayfoto-gh-pro-ii-versus-the-manfrotto-405-geared-head-10672#comments Tue, 26 May 2020 16:28:35 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=10672 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.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/apalmanac-reviews-the-sunwayfoto-gh-pro-ii-versus-the-manfrotto-405-geared-head-10672/feed 22 10672 https://apalmanac.com/gear/photograph-mirrors-with-an-invisible-camera-10164 https://apalmanac.com/gear/photograph-mirrors-with-an-invisible-camera-10164#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2020 22:52:19 +0000 https://apalmanac.com/?p=10164 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.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/photograph-mirrors-with-an-invisible-camera-10164/feed 7 10164 https://apalmanac.com/review/which-architectural-photography-tutorial-should-you-buy-9449 https://apalmanac.com/review/which-architectural-photography-tutorial-should-you-buy-9449#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:23:34 +0000 http://apalmanac.com/?p=9449 With countries dishing out mandatory quarantines and work grinding to a halt, most of us photographers have found ourselves with quite a bit of downtime. If you’re sick of watching Tiger King and doing puzzles, now would be a great time to kick back, turn on a tutorial or two, and pick up some new skills.I]]> https://apalmanac.com/review/which-architectural-photography-tutorial-should-you-buy-9449/feed 18 9449 https://apalmanac.com/gear/apa-reviews-wine-country-camera-filters-probably-the-best-system-for-architectural-photographers-9452 https://apalmanac.com/gear/apa-reviews-wine-country-camera-filters-probably-the-best-system-for-architectural-photographers-9452#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:07:23 +0000 http://apalmanac.com/?p=9452 For many architectural photographers, a good filter system is an absolute must. Filters offer a great deal of flexibility when it comes to exposure times and also controlling reflections; reflections are probably the most vital issue to control when photographing architecture due to their ability to make or break an image.]]> https://apalmanac.com/gear/apa-reviews-wine-country-camera-filters-probably-the-best-system-for-architectural-photographers-9452/feed 0 9452