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.
The best LED video lighting kit you can get for $500
Feb 22, 2017
John Aldred
With as much competition as there is in today’s LED marketplace, it can be tough to know what’s worth buying. There’s so many models out…
10 beginner tips to up your photo game and improve your work
Feb 22, 2017
John Aldred
No matter how experienced we may get as photographers, there are always ways to improve. Sometimes it’s learning something new. At other times it’s simply…
ADOX is building a new factory to produce photographic film, paper and chemicals
Feb 21, 2017
John Aldred
Founded as the world’s first photochemical factory in 1860, ADOX has had an interesting life. But as observed by Ilford, Kodak, and other companies, film…
How to fold giant reflectors and backgrounds without looking like an idiot
Feb 21, 2017
John Aldred
Folding reflectors, softboxes and backgrounds are awesome. There’s no two ways about it. They pack down really small for transport or storage, they pop up…
Neural network turns your Pixelated, black and white gameboy photos into realistic portraits
Feb 21, 2017
John Aldred
Neural networks, deep learning, artificial intelligence, whatever term you prefer seems to be a very hot topic lately. Every couple of weeks there seem to…
Prices and specs announced for the new Irix 11mm f/4 lenses with glow in the dark markings
Feb 21, 2017
John Aldred
Last March, Irixi told us that they were working on an 11mm f/4 rectilinear lens. In September, DIYP even had the opportunity to play with…
This is why fluid head video tripods are useful for photography
Feb 20, 2017
John Aldred
I switched over to mostly using fluid head video tripods for stills photography about 8 years ago. I still have a couple of Manfrottos with…
How and why to use a Rode VideoMic as a wireless boom microphone
Feb 20, 2017
John Aldred
Boomed shotgun mics are my preferred method of recording audio. Lav mics are great, but for interviews and talky pieces to camera, they really don’t…
Are photography trade shows, conferences and expos really worth going to?
Feb 20, 2017
John Aldred
Big photography shows happen all around the world. Some are much bigger than others, but are even the big ones worth going to? It’s a…
Save $5,000 by getting a monochrome Fuji X-Pro1 or X100S instead of a Leica
Feb 20, 2017
John Aldred
When Fuji released the X-Pro1 and X100S, they became instant hits. Relatively small cameras with amazing image quality. Many photographers added one to their kit as…