Posts by Author: John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Eye AF shines using the monster Canon 200mm f/2 lens on a Sony A7RIII body
Jan 3, 2018
John Aldred
The Eye AF in Sony bodies has been one of its most hailed features. Up until now, though, it’s been kind of hit & miss…
7 common studio portrait lighting mistakes and how you can avoid them
Jan 2, 2018
John Aldred
We all make mistakes in photography. All of us. But these are things which help us learn and grow as photographers. We make mistakes, we…
How zone focusing will help you to get better street photography
Jan 2, 2018
John Aldred
Zone focusing is a term that often seems to confuse people. But if you don’t know what it is, then it’s quite easy to understand…
The definitive guide to focal length, perspective, and why “zooming with your feet” is nonsense
Jan 2, 2018
John Aldred
Perspective distortion seems to be one of the most confusing topics in photography. There are all kinds of erroneous “facts” about it. Like focal length…
Use strobes to freeze subject movement and action
Jan 1, 2018
John Aldred
A few days ago we showed you a way to freeze subjects in ice in Photoshop. Now it’s time to freeze their motion in front…
Bring in the New Year with two supermoons, a blue moon, and a total lunar eclipse
Jan 1, 2018
John Aldred
It seems that some of us will have a very special January if we look up to the skies this month. We’re expecting to have…
3D print your photography to make backlit lithophanes
Dec 29, 2017
John Aldred
I have my first 3D printer arriving next month. Ok, technically it’s a robot with a 3D printing head, but this is something I’m absolutely…
How to create frozen ice effects in Photoshop
Dec 29, 2017
John Aldred
Christmas may have come and gone, but winter is only just setting in. And with Winter comes the frosty photos and similarly chilled subjects. In…
A simple technique for faking subtle shallow depth of field in Photoshop
Dec 29, 2017
John Aldred
I’m not a massive fan of faking optical characteristics in post. I prefer to shoot it the way I’d like in the first place. But…
The best settings to create cinematic footage on your mobile phone
Dec 28, 2017
John Aldred
For some, the humble mobile phone is their weapon fo choice when it comes to shooting video. For others, it’s simply what they have with…