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.
10 tips to make selections that cut out anything in Photoshop
Mar 10, 2017
John Aldred
Photoshop’s selection tools seem to evolve and change with every new update. Techniques and technology evolve to make selections a little easier than they were before….
How and why to use paper backdrops when shooting in a small space
Mar 10, 2017
John Aldred
Whether for stills or video, paper backdrops are super handy, especially in a permanent fixture. But they’re also useful when setting up in a small…
Get creative with your portraits using a piece of silver window screen mesh
Mar 8, 2017
John Aldred
A few days ago, we showed you Cheesycam’s tutorial on making large frames for gels or diffusion with screen door kits. Well, those kits often come…
The BBC used IR RED, thermal imaging and Sony A7S cameras to get night shots for Planet Earth 2
Mar 8, 2017
John Aldred
The BBC is renowned for its stunning wildlife sequences. Every time they release a new wildlife series, especially one narrated by David Attenborough, the visuals…
This guy actually made a digital back for his 35mm Nikons out of a Sony NEX camera
Mar 7, 2017
John Aldred
I’ve been following the “digital film” saga for years. There’s been at least 4 failed attempts to get one working, and one hoax. Nikon even…
6 essential tips to get the best sound and comfort out of a boom pole microphone
Mar 7, 2017
John Aldred
If you shoot video for long enough, and you’re interested in getting quality sound (you should be), then at some point you’re going to use…
The Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM goes up against the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art in this side by side comparison
Mar 7, 2017
John Aldred
This is a question I see coming up almost daily on various photography groups on Facebook. “I shoot Sony, should I get the Sony FE…
After a fall in his workshop, this creative builder shows us how he made his own DIY light stands
Mar 6, 2017
John Aldred
The humble three legged light stand is a fantastic thing. But it’s not always best suited to every situation. If, like John Decker, you’re trying…
The first full Irix 11mm f/4 review is out and it looks very impressive
Mar 6, 2017
John Aldred
The Irix 11mm f/4 isn’t quite available yet, but the reviews have started coming in already. First mentioned at The Photography Show last year, it’s…
See Nikon’s 105mm f/1.4 go head to head against the 200mm f/2
Mar 3, 2017
John Aldred
When Nikon announced its new 105mm f/1.4E ED lens last year, it got a lot of attention. And it’s easy to see why. 105mm is…