All About the Gear

Join veteran wedding photographer Troy Miller for a hands-on review of the newly launched Nikon Z8. We dive into the workings of this much-anticipated camera, exploring its significant features, performance, and design aesthetics.

Troy Miller

The Nikon Z8, described as the "baby Z9," is turning heads in the photography world with its cutting-edge stacked sensor, similar to its larger counterpart, the Nikon Z9. However, this camera is more compact and affordable, offering the same superior image and video quality.

This interview discusses the Z8's impressive capabilities, from shooting 45.7MP stills and 8K videos to its advanced design that mirrors the Nikon D850 DSLR. The camera's blackout-free viewfinder and versatile 4-axis touchscreen are notable features that enhance its usability.

Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest reviews and interviews. Drop your questions about the Nikon Z8 in the comments section, and we'll do our best to answer them in our upcoming videos.

More on the Z8 at NikonUSA.comConnect with Troy Miller at ImageryConcepts.com

Architectural photographer and long-time friend of TWiP Jeffrey Totaro joins the podcast to share his experiences building a redundant, bulletproof storage solution for his high-end photography business. Jeffrey presents a concise and detailed look at how he solved the ever-present storage issue.

About Jeffrey Totaro

Jeffrey Totaro has had a life-long interest in design and construction. Before becoming a photographer, he worked as an architect and structural engineer for a prominent Philadelphia firm. During his education and early career, his strong interest in design was coupled with an interest in photographing architecture and interiors. A self-taught photographer, Jeffrey transitioned to professional photography in 1996 and has since built an impressive portfolio of commercial, residential, and institutional photography for leading firms in Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Washington DC, and elsewhere.

Jeffrey holds an architectural engineering degree from Drexel University. He has served as co-chair of ASMP’s Architectural Specialty Group, a worldwide society of professional architectural photographers. From mid-2006 to mid-2008, he collaborated with Esto Photographics, one of the world’s leading providers of architectural stock photography. He has been a co-instructor for a workshop in Chicago with camera manufacturer Phase One. Also, he teaches an annual week-long workshop in architectural photography for the Palm Beach Photographic Workshops.

Links mentioned in the presentation:

Synology (filtered for BTRFS & Snapshots)SpaceRex Website:SpaceRex YouTube:OWC SSD RaidChronoSync (for backup on location to an external drive)UnifiUnifi UDMPro Set-up

Contact Jeffrey:

Jeffrey Totarohttp://www.jeffreytotaro.com

Jeffrey’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jeffreytotaro/

Jeffrey’s Annual Workshop:https://www.workshop.org/calendar/in-person-architectural-photography-in-the-digital-realm/

This week, I'm joined by HDR expert Ron Pepper as he shares his insights on the art and science of HDR photography and the essential role that Photomatix plays in his workflow.

In this interview, Ron will talk about the challenges and opportunities of HDR photography and how he uses Photomatix to capture the full dynamic range of a scene and create stunning images that capture his artistic vision.

You'll learn about Ron's composition, lighting, and post-processing approach and how he balances technical expertise with creativity and intuition to produce truly breathtaking images. You'll also hear about some of his favorite projects and the stories behind them.

Below check out Ron's hands-on demo of the Photomatix software!

Ronpepper.comHDRSoft.com

Photomatix Demo:

Today, I'm joined by PhotoJoseph to discuss the features and capabilities of the Lumix S5II, a highly-anticipated camera from Panasonic. Get ready to learn everything you need about this powerful and versatile camera, and see why it's a top choice for photographers of all levels.

About PhotoJoseph

PhotoJoseph is a professional photographer and educator known for his photography, videography, and technology expertise. He is also a content creator on YouTube, sharing his knowledge, tips, and techniques with photography enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. He is known for his in-depth reviews and tutorials on cameras, lenses, and other photography gear.

https://youtu.be/UwDD0ox85yg

About the Lumix S5II

Panasonic is proud to announce the new hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera LUMIX S5II and S5IIX as the latest additions to its LUMIX S Series camera line-up. Combining Panasonic’s latest technologies, the new S5II and S5IIX were designed and developed based on the excellent performance in photo/video and stunning mobility of the LUMIX S5 to achieve a more assertive shooting style of ambitious creators.

Panasonic has developed a new 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor that complies with PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus). The imaging engine has also been newly developed to achieve high resolution, natural description, and approximately 2x higher-speed signal procession for high bit-rate video recording. The new sensor and engine combination achieves both PDAF and high image quality - a hallmark of LUMIX.

In tune with the adoption of PDAF, the AF system evolved into fast, accurate Phase Hybrid AF, making it even more dependable. Advanced subject detection and metering technologies to capture the target subject in focus even in adverse lighting conditions. Once locked on the subject, it keeps tracking even in situations where plural objects are moving in the frame.

The LUMIX S5II and S5IIX provide robust image stabilization systems for wide-ranging shootingconditions and situations. In addition to Combining the Body I.S. in the camera and the O.I.S. in the LUMIX S Series lens, the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, the correction power is maximized to allow a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.

In addition, Active I.S. has been added for even more stable video recording. Active I.S. optimizes horizontal, vertical, and rotational correction ratios by determining the camera shake's status. As a result, the performance of the image stabilizer is maximized to achieve compensation of approximately 200% larger amount of camera shake compared with the conventional imagestabilization.

Get the Lumix S5II on B&H

A special joint TWiP + SmugMug episode as we stream live to the SmugMug, Flickr, and TWiP communities for the first time in a combined stream. Join your host Alastair Jolly as he welcomes Frederick Van Johnson and the This Week in Photo podcast to the SmugMug team!

We are thrilled that the world's best photo community and the world's favorite photography podcast are now under the same roof.

Learn more at: https://www.smugmug.com/community/this-week-in-photo

https://youtu.be/I4MYX8kqrXY

Hit photography podcast network This Week in Photo joins the SmugMug family.

The most important voice in photo podcasting joins the most influential brand in photography. 

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – (Oct 25, 2022) – SmugMug, the world’s most influential name in photography, has announced two strategic additions to their expanding family of brands: This Week in Photo (TWiP), the beloved photography podcast network and media powerhouse; and its Editor in Chief, professional photographer, and industry influencer Frederick Van Johnson, who joins SmugMug to lead content and new media while continuing to grow and evolve This Week in Photo. 

“It’s an ideal match,” says SmugMug+Flickr VP of Marketing Scott Kinzie. “Our purpose at SmugMug is building a better world through the power of photography, and This Week in Photo has been inspiring, educating, and connecting photographers for more than a decade. Naturally, we’re massive fans of [Johnson’s] work.”

“Frankly, it’s time for TWiP to evolve,” Johnson adds. “I’ve built a wonderful podcast and community of photographers, but I believe TWiP can reach many more photographers, produce more amazing content, and expand the dialogue around photography — and its impact on our world. I just had to find the right team to work with, and SmugMug is the obvious choice because of its unprecedented brand recognition and reach into the photography industry.’

SmugMug is well known for working tirelessly to increase the influence and impact of photography worldwide. From its acquisition of Flickr in 2018 to its award-winning series SmugMug Films, the brand is showing no signs of slowing down.

“We’re among very few truly photographer-centric brands worldwide,” says Kinzie. “We’re always looking for opportunities to support these cornerstones of the photographic community, so when we realized Frederick shared our vision for the future of photography, it became clear that this relationship was great not only for photographers but also for the art of photography itself.” 

This Week in Photo, or “TWiP” as it’s known affectionately by fans, is an accessible media powerhouse with regular podcasts, blogs, and an active community covering the many facets of our industry. Since 2008, professional photographer and marketer Frederick Van Johnson has honed the TWiP brand and network, which now boasts weekly photo critiques, interviews, courses, tech reviews, and more.

Johnson is uniquely situated to start meaningful conversations in the photography community and has seen a lot of change over the years. From his transformative tour of duty, serving as a decorated combat photojournalist with the United States Air Force, to marketing and product work with industry giants like Adobe, Yahoo!, and Apple. 

“A decade ago, it was all about gear and the latest tech,” he says. “They also wanted to know how to build a portfolio or gallery with the tools of the time. People still love their gear, but today we’re increasingly seeing folks get into business, trying to make a go of it as a pro photographer. I've long admired SmugMug's commitment to empowering photographers since signing up in 2004. I’m stoked to join them in their mission of getting more photographers informed, inspired, and entertained—it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”

https://www.smugmug.com/community/this-week-in-photo

—------------------

About SmugMug

Photographers around the world trust SmugMug with more than just their photos. They trust SmugMug with their memories, their passion, and their businesses.

In this interview 30-year professional wedding photographer Troy Miller explains his adoration for his newly received Nikon Z9. Is it all they say it is? Is it powered by magic dark matter unicorn focusing dust? Or, is it all just hype?

Check out the Nikon Z9Connect with Troy Miller: http://spicyjello.com

In this interview, I dive into the world of Sigma lenses with Jack Howard, PR and Content Manager at Sigma Corporation. We discuss the price/quality issue when comparing 3rd-party lenses to OEM glass. We also discuss Sigmas's philosophy around crafting optics, and how things have changed over the years.

About Jack (in his own words…)

I'm a lifelong photographer. My first "real camera" was a Ricoh KR-30SP a gift from my parents at age 15. I still have it sitting on my desk. 

Early influences were all the National Geographic World Magazines, Ranger Rick type titles my mom subscribed me to, and slightly later, the Thrasher and Transworld Skateboarding magazines of the mid to late '80s. My friends and I started our own 'zine, which a couple of local shops distributed to.

My father was a lifelong photographer and taught me a tone along the way. I have never taken a photo class, all was learned from practice, books, magazines, and online. Studied History, English, American Studies at Rutgers University. Didn't want to study photographer b/c I both thought I would teach myself and would get disinterested if I pursued a degree, and I wanted it to always be a hobby or side skill. I wanted to learn how to think, how to see, how to synthesize information, and how to write on a variety of topics. 

I was on a path to go to grad school for an academic path when I first saw Photoshop. It was amazing and I was hooked. It was everything I ever wanted to do in the darkroom but even better.

See more at Sigma Corporation's website

Other random "Jack" facts:

Ansel Adams, Ann Geddes, Gary Fong, Annie Leibowitz, and Jack Howard…  what’s the connection?   Photographers who have made “Guest appearances” in “What the Duck” comic strip.

Of all the things I’ve been able to do because of a camera, flying in a Blimp is generally the one that garners the most follow-on questions, and that most people wish they could experience.

In this video we dive into the reality of editing HD and UHD video on the iPhone or iPad. Is it possible? Have the hardware, operating system and software evolved to the point where mobile editing has become a serious workflow alternative? Imagine the possibilities! Enter LumaFusion!

I’m joined by LumaTouch co-founders, Terri Morgan and Chris Demiris. They’re the folks behind LumaFusion - the award winning iOS based non-linear video editing app join me to discuss the possibilities of pro level video editing, using mobile-based tools.

LumaTouch is an innovative company dedicated to creating professional mobile video editing, audio and effects products including LumaFusion and LumaFX.

Over the last year and a half, LumaTouch’s flagship product LumaFusion has captured the hearts of mobile journalism professionals as the “go-to product” for mobile video editing, titling, audio mixing, color correction and finishing of high quality news segments while in the field.

As the first truly professional video and effects editor for mobile, LumaFusion has also been acclaimed by independent and experimental filmmakers, music video artists and corporate producers as a trusted solution for creative video editing and effects, rivaling the features and exceeding the usability of more expensive desktop editors like FCPX and Adobe Premiere.

LumaFusion and LumaFX, a single clip effects editor, are available in the Apple App Store.

http://www.lumatouch.comhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lumafusion/id1062022008https://twitter.com/lumatouch

HELP SUPPORT TWIP!

+ PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/thisweekinphotoPlease help support TWiP by donating to the network on Patreon. Running a podcast network is not cheap, free or easy! It requires a ton of effort and commitment. Even the smallest donations help us keep things afloat.

+ TWIP PRO - http://www.twippro.comIf you enjoyed this video, please join our community at http://www.twippro.com - you can support TWiP while continuing the photography conversation. Join the mixer with like-minded photographers, while helping keep us on the air!

---------------

MORE ABOUT TWiP...

+ THIS WEEK IN PHOTO - https://thisweekinphoto.comTWiP is one of the longest running and most respected photography podcast brand and networks in the world. Subscribe to our podcast, or our YouTube channel to stay entertained, inspired and educated about all things photography.

+ TWiP PRO SCHOOL - http://www.twipschool.comContinue your learning experience at the TWiP PRO School!

In this interview I speak with the co-founder and CEO of GNARBOX. GNARBOX has created a wireless hard drive that enables photographers and video content creators to lighten their load with a fully mobile workflow. No laptop needed. Tim and I dive into the creation of the device, workflows and what the future might hold.

Tim Feels is a Southern California native who is passionate about solving problems in the creative workflow.  As co-founder of GNARBOX, he's responsible for new product development, market strategy, and organizational growth.

​

GNARBOX is a rugged backup device for content creators who prefer to travel without a laptop. Unlike other portable hard drives, GNARBOX has assembled an ecosystem of mobile applications that serve the professional workflow from the field to the studio. “We believe in making the creative process easier for anyone with a camera. Since the launch of GNARBOX 1.0, we’ve worked with our active community of photographers and videographers to understand the goals of content creators.” said Tim Feess

​

“GNARBOX 2.0 SSD is designed for professionals who want to reliably back up their cards in the field and advance their mobile editing workflow. The goal is leave your laptop at home and streamline a process that can otherwise be a burden to creativity. With this product, you can get more work done in the field so you spend less time at home in front of your computer. you get home to your computer. It’s water, shock, and dust resistant yet packed with the power to review RAW photos and render ProRes videos while in the field.” continued Feess.

http://www.gnarbox.com

HELP SUPPORT TWIP!

+ PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/thisweekinphoto

Please help support TWiP by donating to the network on Patreon. Running a podcast network is not cheap, free or easy! It requires a ton of effort and commitment. Even the smallest donations help us keep things afloat.

+ TWIP PRO - http://www.twippro.com

If you enjoyed this video, please join our community at http://www.twippro.com - you can support TWiP while continuing the photography conversation. Join the mixer with like-minded photographers, while helping keep us on the air!

---------------

MORE ABOUT TWiP...

+ THIS WEEK IN PHOTO - https://thisweekinphoto.com

TWiP is one of the longest running and most respected photography podcast brand and networks in the world. Subscribe to our podcast, or our YouTube channel to stay entertained, inspired and educated about all things photography.

+ TWiP PRO SCHOOL - http://www.twipschool.com

Continue your learning experience at the TWiP PRO School! We've got loads of "instant access" digital courses available for you to dive into NOW. Many courses are taught by some of your favorite TWiP personalities!

+ TWiP MEETUPS -