What are the benefits of buying a third-party lens? Sticking with a single camera system from a single camera manufacturer has traditionally been  the best approach when investing in camera lenses. But different photographers have different needs, and different lenses — yes, even third-party lenses — are sometimes the best choice to meet those needs. Let’s look at a few specific use instances where investing in a third party has its advantages. You want to maintain a flexible budget Third-party lenses are traditionally designed with cost flexibility in mind; while […]

Photographers are spoiled with choice these days, especially as new mirrorless cameras come to market. Every manufacturer is offering new camera bodies and new lenses with new technology, and every few months one brand seems to leapfrog another. Sometimes it seems that if you want to use the best equipment available, you need to be willing to invest in multiple brands. But despite how fast technology evolves, photography is still a long game, because a great lens today is still going to be a great lens for years to come. […]

Wildlife photography is immensely popular. The thrill of capturing an image of an animal in the wild, in its natural habitat or in front of a beautiful vista, is incredibly appealing. And besides — who doesn’t love animals? Of course, wildlife photography can also be incredibly challenging. Wild animals aren’t sitting still for portraits, making it tough to get a good snap; and, they’re not coming to you, meaning you’re taking your equipment into the wild. That means it’s critical that you’re carrying the right camera and the right lenses […]

Portrait photography can be a truly rewarding experience for any photography enthusiast. We’re not talking “rewarding” from a financial perspective (although certainly portrait photographers are always in demand, if that’s the route you want to go down!), but portraiture is a great way for you to experiment with lighting, with colors, with different equipment – and it’s a great way to engage and connect with your subjects as well. As always, though, the type of equipment you choose to shoot with matters greatly. Portraiture has evolved over the years, and […]

It’s the season of the music festivals both big and small across Canada. Here are some tips from Henry’s Learning Lab to help you capture concert images that rock. Plan Ahead While it’s usually not a problem to snap a few photos when your favourite band tours through the local bar scene, larger cameras are often forbidden at larger stadium shows and outdoor festivals. Check the rules before you pack your camera bag. Forget the Flash Concerts are often dark, but your camera’s flash will create more problems than it can solve: small […]

What kind of tips can there be for outdoor lighting?  There’s the sun.  Problem solved, right? The reality is that direct sunlight is one of the worst lighting options that we as creatives have to work with.  It is very high contrast and produces very harsh and delineated shadows.  There’s really nothing that looks better in harsh sun.  The best unmodified outdoor light is immediately after the rain stops and there is still cloud cover, but that’s not the most popular option for many creatives.  There are some folks who […]

Last year, Nikon finally made its long-awaited debut on the mirrorless camera market with its Z series, including the full-frame Nikon Z6. With traditional Nikon style and quality, a more attractive entry price point than the Z7, and a growing range of interchangeable lenses, the Z6 made a splash upon release. But after nine months of use, and a recent robust firmware update, we thought it was time to give the Z6 another look. Nikon Z6 review: Second impressions after extended use Read on to see how the Z6 is […]

Saying that a photographer should always keep their subjects in focus is like saying a driver should always keep their eyes on the road: It’s a no-brainer. And today’s cameras, with ever-improving autofocus and automatic detection systems, are better than ever at helping you achieve that focus — so that you can keep your eye on being creative, without having to worry about what’s in focus or about fiddling with your lens.