B&H Photography Podcast

Join us as we talk with two of our most regular and insightful guests about new cameras that were announced in 2016. We hesitate to use the phrase "best" cameras of the year because there a few cameras that we're not all that crazy about, and a few we can only judge based on their announced specs, but there is plenty to talk about. Shawn Steiner and Levi Tenenbaum test and review cameras for B&H and the Explora blog, and bring to this conversation not only extensive product knowledge, but a practical sense of which camera is right for specific photographers and applications. We discuss the new mirrorless medium format cameras announced by Fujifilm and Hasselblad, as well as several new DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, some the first from their respective manufacturers. We also include favorite cameras sent in by listeners (see if you can tell which one we made up), talk industry trends and wrap up the show with a grab bag of favorite new lenses and our choice for "camera of the year." Guests: Levi Tenenbaum and Shawn Steiner https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/features/podcast-cameras-year-2016 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/b-h-photography-podcast/id1052860428?mt=2

You need film stock for your 1947 Brownie Target Six-20 camera? Film for Classics has it. Found an undeveloped roll of film while cleaning out your grandfather's junk drawer? Send it to the Rescued Film Project. On today's episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we examine two aspects of the film photography world that are alive and well. First, we speak with Levi Bettwieser of the Rescued Film Project about his self-assigned mission to collect, process, and preserve as many orphaned rolls of film as he can. He tells us about how his project got started, how he sustains it, his motivation, goals, and the future potential for such an impressive, yet motley archive. Bettwieser inspires us with his zeal, and speaks of the thrill (and the responsibility) he feels knowing that he is the first person to ever see the images contained on these rolls, some shot more than 70 years ago. For the Rescued Film Project's wish-list, please see link below. After a pause, we speak with Dick Havilland, who is a film re-spooler and operates his business out of an old paper mill near Rochester, New York. Havilland cuts and packages sheet film into sizes that fit formats long ago abandoned by the majority of manufacturers and photographers. He tells us how this passion project became a business, how he acquires his raw material and creates these rolls, and about a few of his clients, including the artist and photographer William Christenberry. Guests: Levi Bettwieser, Dick Havilland Photograph: Courtesy Rescued Film Project http://www.rescuedfilm.com/ http://www.filmforclassics.com/ Rescued Film Project Wishlist: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/wishlist.jsp#/7ED1CC73F9/ For complete podcast post including images: www.bhphoto.com/explora/p/podcast

Continuing with our series of conversations from the Eddie Adams Workshop, we sit with National Geographic photographer Steve Winter to talk about his work and career, specifically on capturing images and telling the stories of the big cats of the world. Winter started his photojournalism career in the social documentary tradition and, working for the famed Black Star agency, fate (and fear) pushed him into the world of wildlife photography. He tells us how his path shifted, how he blends photojournalism and wildlife photography and how specializing in one subject has benefitted his career. With many adventures and close calls under his belt, he relates how travel and gear logistics and long stretches away from home can be the hardest part of his job. He also talks gear choices, working with scientists and local trackers and drone photography. Winter's work spans the globe and includes an ark full of creatures, but he is most recognized for his big-cat photography, which entails long expeditions in mountains and jungles and also the proficient use of camera traps to photograph elusive animals remotely, including the cougar know as P-22, which Winter photographed in its territory—the Hollywood hills. Guest: Steve Winter Photo: Copyright Steve Winter/National Geographic http://www.stevewinterphoto.com http://www.eddieadamsworkshop.com

We have been looking forward to this conversation for weeks. On today's episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we sit down with retired Detective 1st Grade Michael Cunningham, of the New York City Police Department, to talk about crime-scene unit photography. Cunningham is an expert on crime scene photography and forensics—in addition to his twenty-seven years with the NYPD, he has worked as a trainer for the Department of Homeland Security, authored a book on crime-scene management, and currently works providing case-management solutions to law enforcement agencies for Leeds, LLC. We discuss aspects of crime-scene photography, from camera and lens selection to shooting technique, storage, retrieval and sharing of images. We compare the use of film and digital imaging and the challenges and benefits brought on by new technology. In addition, we talk about photos used for case solving and those of evidentiary value and the different photography departments within the NYPD. Cunningham walks us through the procedures and shot selection of a photographer when approaching a crime scene, and the protocols involved when documenting it. He also regales us with a few stories of his many investigations during his years on the force. Guest: Michael Cunningham http://leedsllc.com/

The B&H Photography Podcast was very fortunate to be invited to the 29th Eddie Adams Workshop this year. The annual workshop, officially sponsored by Nikon, with support from B&H, is a unique and inspiring event, bringing together 100 young photographers with some of the world's most recognized photojournalists and editors, including thirteen Pulitzer Prize winners, for four intense days of photographic presentation and collaboration. On today's podcast, we discuss editing for newspapers and news sites and the working relationship between photojournalists and their editors. In the first half of the episode, we speak with Nancy Andrews, the former Director of Photography at The Detroit Free Press and current Ogden Visiting Professor for Media Innovation, Reed College of Media at West Virginia University, and Colin Crawford, the Deputy Managing Editor of Visual Journalism at the Los Angeles Times. Both started as photojournalists and we chat about the differences between photographers and editors, but we concentrate our talk on how an editor can guide a photographer to improve their work. After a short break, we resume with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Michael Williamson and MaryAnne Golon, Assistant Managing Editor and Director of Photography at the Washington Post. In addition to being colleauges, Williamson and Golon are old friends, and we discuss the working relationship between a photographer and an editor and how collaboration takes concept to completed series. Guests: Nancy Andrews, Colin Crawford, Michael Williamson, MaryAnne Golon Nancy Andrews and Colin Crawford: 01:18 Michael Williamson and MaryAnne Golon: 24:42 www.eddieadamsworkshop.com Image: Colin Crawford editing with students at the Eddie Adams Workshop. Photo: John R. Harris

The B&H Photography Podcast was very fortunate to be invited to the 29th Eddie Adams Workshop this year. The annual workshop, officially sponsored by Nikon, with support from B&H, is a unique and inspiring event, bringing together 100 young photographers with some of the world's most recognized photojournalists and editors, including thirteen Pulitzer Prize winners, for four intense days of photographic presentation and collaboration. Tim Rasmussen, Director of Digital and Print Photography at ESPN, joined us for a chat in our improvised studio in the fabled barn on the Eddie Adams farm. Prior to ESPN, Rasmussen was the Assistant Managing Editor of Photography and Multimedia at the Denver Post and under his lead, their photo department earned three Pulitzer Prizes. Tim is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Eddie Adams Workshop and, in addition to having been a team leader, producer and editor at the workshop, he was a student in its very first year—1988. Our conversation with Rasmussen revolves around the workshop—how he came to attend the first-ever workshop, why it has become a breeding ground and "sanctuary" for two generations of talented photojournalists and, of course, around Eddie Adams himself. We also talk with Rasmussen about his own career, transition from photographer to editor, and how he ended up at ESPN. Within this relaxed conversation there is much to learn—about the threads of life and the nature of commitment, about the practice of photojournalism and, particularly for young photographers, about what an editor looks for when hiring a photographer. Guest: Tim Rasmussen Photograph of Eddie Adams by Tim Rasmussen https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/features/podcast-thread-tim-rasmussen-and-eddie-adams-workshopl www.eddieadamsworkshop.com/

The B&H Photography Podcast was very fortunate to be invited to the 29th Eddie Adams Workshop this year. The annual workshop, officially sponsored by Nikon with support from B&H, is a unique and inspiring event, bringing together 100 young photographers with some of the world's most recognized photojournalists and editors, including thirteen Pulitzer Prize winners, for four intense days of photographic presentation and collaboration. The team leaders and speakers are a who's-who of the photojournalism community, and we took our opportunity to sit down with many of them for conversations that ranged from personal inspiration and technical innovation to the photographer-editor relationship and how to set a camera trap for mountain lions. In the weeks to come, we will present several of our "conversations from the barn," thus named because we created an impromptu studio in the fabled barn on the Eddie Adams farm. Our first conversation joins Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer John H. White and photographer, artist, and educator Endia Beal. Mr. White could be considered the spiritual heart of the workshop and anyone who hears him speak will understand why. His work for Chicago's daily newspapers dates back to the late 1960s, and he was on staff at the Chicago Sun-Times when he earned his Pulitzer. His work is well rounded, as any newspaper photographer's should be, and covers events big and small, but it his depiction of Chicago's African-American community that has garnered the most attention. We speak with him about his upbringing in North Carolina, his relationship with his subjects, including his friend Muhammad Ali, and the most important camera he has ever used. Endia Beal is an accomplished artist currently serving as Associate Professor of Art and the Director of the Diggs Gallery at Winston-Salem State University. Her early artistic work emerged from personal tragedy and called into question cultural and skin-color-based stereotypes in her hometown community. Her more recent work continues to pose questions, exploring the identity of minority women within the corporate space. Join us as we chat with these two remarkable people about their lives and work. Guests: Endia Beal and John H. White Photo: John H. White www.keepinflight.com www.endiabeal.com

Is your Leica M7 worth more than what you paid for it? How about the value of that Brownie in your grandfather's closet, or even your first digital camera from 1995? With Heritage Auctions preparing to host its first-ever auction of collectible cameras, we take time to talk camera and lens collecting with Nigel Russel, of Heritage, and Gabriel Biderman, of B&H Photo. Russel is a world-recognized camera expert and photo historian, and discusses the criteria that make a camera retain or increase in value, the possibility of finding a collectible camera at a garage sale, and the general ins and outs of a camera auction. We also chat about Ansel Adams's 4 x 5 camera that is currently up for auction, as well as the "cult" of Leica and even about a camera from the 1860s that uses water between the lenses to create a panoramic view. A well-respected night photographer, Gabriel Biderman is also a camera collector whose first rule of collecting is to only acquire cameras with which he can actually take pictures. His collection includes cameras from each decade of the 20th Century, and he actively uses these film cameras, in addition to his growing list of digital cameras. Join us as we take on the subject of camera collecting from two distinct points of view and revel in the shared pleasure of classic photographica. Guests: Nigel Russel and Gabriel Biderman https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/p/podcast https://www.ha.com http://www.nationalparksatnight.com

Photokina is the world's largest trade fair for photography, and this year's affair saw 983 exhibitors from 42 countries fill the Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre in Cologne, Germany, with an array of new gear for photography, video, and imaging, in all its forms. Today's episode of the podcast will offer an overview of the notable cameras and photo equipment announced at this biennial event, held from September 20-25, with a special emphasis on new lenses. Our guests, podcast regulars Levi Tenenbaum and Andrea Ortado, highlight the features of new cameras from Fujifilm, Leica, Olympus, Panasonic and others, and offer their opinions on a range of new gear. As mentioned, we take an extra moment to talk lenses and ask, "What can we expect from new lens technology in the coming years?" For gearheads, GASsers, and anyone interested in the latest photo equipment, this is an entertaining episode packed with practical information. Guests: Andrea Ortado and Levi Tenenbaum https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/p/podcast

In celebration of Gail Buckland's wonderful new book, "Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present", and the accompanying exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, we take a look at sports photography from all angles. With Buckland, we discuss the making of her book and the role that sports photography has played in the history and technology of photography. Buckland breaks apart false distinctions by including photographers as diverse as Andy Warhol, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Stanley Kubrick with legendary sports photographers such as Walter Iooss and Charles Conlon. Her research on individual photos and overall perspective on sports photography opens up the genre to the wide world of art, and her insights are invaluable. Also joining us is photographer Andrew Bernstein, well known as the long-time photographer for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has also served as official photographer for the L.A. Clippers, Kings, and Dodgers, and held the position of Senior Director of NBA Photos. Bernstein has photographed a wide variety of sports and has published several books, including "Journey to the Ring", documenting the 2009-10 Lakers championship season. His awards and accolades run deep and he was instrumental in developing the multiple camera Flash Wizard II system, which revolutionized indoor sports action photography through the use of triggers and remotes with strobe lighting. Bernstein discusses his career development, gear setups and shooting techniques, as well as his relationship with athletes, specifically with Kobe Bryant, whose photo is included in the book and exhibit, "Who Shot Sports". Guests: Gail Buckland - www.gailbuckland.com Andrew Bernstein - www.adbapi.com Photograph by Tim Clayton, courtesy Tim Clayton For more images visit www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/p/podcast

Coney Island and photography have been together almost since birth. There is a great tradition of photography associated with this beach, located at the last stop of the D, F, N, and Q trains, in Brooklyn. Our guest, photographer Mark Hartman, created an intense summer project of walking the beach at Coney Island photographing the interesting people who crossed his path. His project was disciplined and relatively short, but thanks to a little app called Instagram, his austere, detailed, and colorful portraiture has quickly found many fans. Hartman was kind enough to join us to talk about his series and the gear, techniques, and attitude that has made it such a success. We are also joined by writer and photographer Todd Vorenkamp, who adds insight to our discussion with Hartman, and also offers some very practical tips on how to keep your gear clean, dry, and sand-free while shooting on the beach. Why a show on beach photography as summer draws to a close? Well, as anyone who has photographed on the beach (and who hasn't?) will tell you, it's not just a summertime thang—the people, architecture, nature, wildlife, water, and sunsets are there year-round and whether it's a jam-packed Sunday at Coney or a contemplative, deserted windswept winterscape, the beach is always a great place for photography. Guests: Mark Hartman, Todd Vorenkamp Photographs – Mark Hartman * "...and balancing on eyebeams/ above a sea of faces/ paces his way/ to the other side of day" -from "Constantly Risking Absurdity" in A Coney Island of the Mind by Lawrence Ferlinghetti

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available on September 15, 2016, and we've organized an episode to celebrate iPhone photography, including a hands-on review of the new iPhone 7 Plus. Joining us are three photographers who bring unique perspectives to the imaging capabilities of the iPhone. First, we speak with Robin Robertis, a 2016 winner of the iPhone Photography Award and an artist for whom the iPhone provided a new creative tool for her ethereal and vibrant work. Next, we speak with Ed Kashi, a multi-faceted, veteran photojournalist and filmmaker who was one of five photographers assigned by Time magazine to document Hurricane Sandy with just an iPhone. Kashi also teaches workshops in iPhone photography for National Geographic, and will discuss how he incorporates mobile photography into his journalistic work. After a break, we speak with Brendan Ò Sè, a photographer from Cork, Ireland, whose playful image of the curved lines in Copenhagen's Superkilen Park was chosen for the "Shot on iPhone 6" ad campaign. He'll talk with us about that experience and how the iPhone revived his love for photography. Finally, to put a bow on this episode, we sit with Olivier Laurent, editor of LightBox, at Time.com, to chat about his first impressions of the iPhone 7 Plus. Mr. Laurent was given the latest iPhone 7 before its official announcement to test and review its camera, and he shares his thoughts with us on the new features and specs. Guests: Robin Robertis - 02:00 Ed Kashi - 16:37 Brendan Ò Sè - 37:36 Olivier Laurent/iPhone 7 Review - 57:25 Photograph: Robin Robertis

In Part II of our series on astrophotography, we talk with Ian Norman, founder of Lonely Speck, a site dedicated to making astrophotography easy and accessible to all photographers. The website is loaded with great advice, gear reviews, and tutorials on how to photograph the night sky and specifically, the Milky Way, Our conversation with Ian centers on his development as a photographer and provides many tips on how, with very affordable equipment and apps and basic processing, you can create stunning dark sky images. As you will hear, Norman, like his website, is all about sharing experiences and advice on how to simplify and improve your photography. As he says, "there are few photographs that have as much existential impact as a nighttime landscape against the Milky Way." Join us for this educational and inspirational episode. Guest: Ian Norman Photo: Ian Norman, LonelySpeck.com

In the first of our two-part series on astrophotography, we are fortunate to be joined by two scientists responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring images ever created. Astrophysicist Dr. Jeff Hester was a member of the team that built the camera on the Hubble Space Telescope and is credited with taking "Pillars of Creation," an extraordinary image of the Eagle Nebula that has been selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential photographs in history. Dr. Hester tells us about his time working on the Hubble and how this image was created, as well as offering his insight on the nature of beauty and the relationship between science and art (Hint: They're not as different as you might think.) Also joining us is Zoltan Levay, the Imaging Team Lead at the Space Telescope Science Institute, whose principal responsibility is to produce and publicize pictures from the Hubble. Mr. Levay discusses the relative nature of color, his techniques for coloring and composing photographs, and the differences between the images that come to him as "data" from the telescope and the published images with which we are more familiar. Again, science and art blend as we ask why certain colors are chosen to represent various celestial bodies, and come to realize that the decisions made and processes used in the top tiers of astrophotography are not that different from those we ourselves make in our own post-processing. Guests: Zoltan Levay and Dr. Jeff Hester Photograph: NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) Next week's episode, Shooting Stars, Part II – The Lonely Speck

On August 25, the National Parks Service celebrates its 100th Anniversary, and we celebrate the parks and all that they have provided to photography over the years. From early photographers documenting natural wonders to persuade Congress of the value of a park system, to legendary landscape photographers such as Ansel Adams, to the countless tourist snapshots of Old Faithful, and even to Apple's ubiquitous Half Dome wallpaper, photography and the National Parks have always been intertwined, and our guests understand this as well as anyone. Chris Nicholson is the author of Photographing National Parks, and Kerry Gallivan is the founder of Chimani, an app designed to help users explore and enjoy each National Park. Our discussion touches upon park protocol as it applies to photographers, gear and location tips, the ethics of nature photography, and we celebrate our national achievement and the gift that has been given to generations of photographers. Guests: Chris Nicholson and Kerry Gallivan Photograph: Chris Nicholson

While digital camera manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve and increase resolution, dynamic range, frame rate, ISO, and…everything, a very strong counter trend has emerged that is turning back to analog, mechanical, and film techniques. Standing out among these "throwback" technologies is the rising popularity of instant film and instant film cameras. Fujifilm Instax has seen their sales soar but more interesting is the Impossible Project, who, in just a few years has become the go-to source for a wide variety of instant film and, recently, instant cameras, such as the new I-1 Instant Film Camera. On today's episode we talk with Patrick Tobin from Impossible and photographer George Weiss, who incorporates instant film into his portrait and wedding work. We discuss how Impossible began by purchasing the last remaining Polaroid film factory, how they refurbish cameras for re-sale and continue to tweak their instant film chemistry. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the intricacies of an upstart company that is finding success marketing "old" technology to new customers. Guests: Patrick Tobin and George Weiss Photograph: George Weiss www.georgeweissthethird.com www.bhphoto.com

There are good reasons for this episode to have a two-in-one headline. Our initial idea for this show was to discuss the role that happenstance and luck play in photography, but the conversation with our impassioned and articulate guests, Amy Touchette and Gus Powell, quickly turned to a more generalized chat on the principles and practices of street photography—and how lucky we were to have them speak intimately about their work and on photography as an artistic and personal endeavor. For me, it doesn't get much better! But back to the two titles within a title—perhaps it is our collaboration with chance and a photographer's ability to recognize, organize, prepare for, and even control what is referred to as chance that is the true essence of street photography. As better writers than I have written, "You make your own luck, Gig," or "Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned." Finally, and this quote seems made for the street photographer: "Chance favors those in motion." Drop us a comment if you can name the above-quoted writers and share with us a story on how you collaborated with chance to make a wonderful photo. #BHPhotoPodcast Guests: Amy Touchette and Gus Powell Photograph: Amy Touchette, 2016

With the recent announcement of the Hasselblad X1D-50c Medium Format Mirrorless Camera, the debate about sensor size and resolving power has taken a whole new turn. What does the release of this impressive camera say about the future of medium format? Will this camera appeal to DSLR shooters, whether professional or enthusiast? Will traditional medium format photographers embrace it? This week's episode of the B&H Photography Podcast provides an introduction to digital medium format photography and takes a look at this new camera, as well as medium format digital backs and the Pentax 645Z, released to much acclaim two years ago. We also discuss the value of medium format sensors in light of the recent availability of ultra-high resolution DSLR and mirrorless cameras from Nikon, Sony and, specifically the Canon 5DS and 5DS R. Guests: Levi Tenenbaum and Jeremy Tan

Digital video is a huge a part of "photography" now. There are almost no digital cameras introduced without some kind of video capability and, in some cases, "still" cameras are the go-to choice for professional videographers. Recently, we have seen 4K video surpass 1080 as the standard, and many camera lines, from DSLR to smartphone, are now providing 4K capability, but is this level of quality really warranted or even effective in a point-and-shoot camera? Today's episode of the podcast will take on this question and, in so doing, we will discuss the particulars of 4K, including what camera models offer this high-definition quality, how do sensor size and form factor affect image quality, what peripherals are needed to make videos of a quality that merit 4K, and what's the point of recording 4K if you can't screen 4K? Join us as two B&H experts help clear the air regarding 4K video in still cameras. Guests: Josh Pomponio and Shawn Steiner

What will our future selfies be like? Our guest, Stephen Mayes, suggests that they may be images of what we think rather than what we see. For those of you exasperated by the deluge of duck faces in your social media feed, this may be a terrifying idea, but is the selfie really that bad, and if so, how and why is it different than an artist's self-portrait? These are the questions we address in this week's episode and, to do so, we have invited the inimitable Mr. Mayes and photographer Nicky Wanzi, whose recent series of self-portraits, in which she depicts not only herself but also two of her best friends, was included in PDN's 2016 Photo Annual. Join us for this enjoyable conversation as we expose the selfie. Guests: Stephen Mayes and Nicky Wanzi Photograph: John Harris

Are dance and photography natural enemies? Well, of course not, but one art form is about the still, captured moment, and the other about choreographed movement and fluidity. However, anyone who truly understands photography knows the importance of timing, grace, and harmony, and a dancer must also recognize the relevance of rest and static. Sculpture, or gesture perhaps, is their common bond and our two guests know well the significance of gesture and the conflicting and compatible characteristics of dance and photography. They join us to talk about their distinct work and shooting styles. Lois Greenfield is one of the recognized masters of the craft, having developed a singular style sought by the world's most renowned dance companies, and Omar Z Robles, an official Fujifilm X-Photographer, brings a fresh take, blending aspects of documentary and street photography. Enjoy this episode as we discuss improvisation, inspiration, dodging taxis and, of course, lighting systems and camera and lens choices. Guests: Lois Greenfield and Omar Z. Robles Photograph by Lois Greenfield

As summer rolls around it's a good time to assess the best of the new products that have been announced thus far in 2016. With two of our most respected product specialists (and straight-up gear heads) we will discuss the most interesting cameras, lenses and accessories to be introduced thus far in 2016, some aren't even on the shelves yet. Cameras from Sigma, Pentax, Sony, Canon, Nikon and Olympus are considered and we also touch on new cameras from Leica, Impossible and Hasselblad. Lenses from these manufacturers as well as Voigtlander, Tamron and Lensbaby are highlighted as is gear from Broncolor, Nissin, Tether Tools and others. Enjoy this informative episode with insight from our in-house experts. Guests: Zev Slotkin and Levi Tenenbaum

At the 2016 OPTIC Imaging Conference, we were immersed in the riches of nature and travel photography; so many talented and distinguished photographers were displaying work and discussing their experiences and craft. We at the podcast were fortunate to be able to sit down with several National Geographic photographers for informal yet intimate chats on subjects ranging from photographic influences to shooting styles to gear choices. This week's podcast presents a selection or compendium, if you will, of highlights from these conversations. We spoke on a variety of topics but we ended each chat with this question: if you had to choose between photography and travel, which would it be? The answers might surprise you. Guests: Ralph Lee Hopkins, Vincent Versace, Brenda Tharp, Jay Dickman, Katrin Eismann, Chris Nicholson Photo Credit: Katrin Eismann

With deference to Linda Richman, today's podcast offers its version of the 'Coffee Talk' skit from Saturday Night Live—Fuji is for Artists/Sony is for Pros… discuss! We realize, of course, that any camera—used well—can be for professionals and for artists and that artists can be pros and vice versa; we're not so naïve as to think otherwise. Given the parameters of the topic, however, we take on this idea in a conversation that touches upon the marketing for these high-end mirrorless cameras, who is actually using them, and most important, their feature sets, lenses, and system accessories. Three of our most trusted in-house experts join us to discuss their experiences with the Sony a7 series and the Fujifilm X series cameras as we attempt to clarify the most appropriate applications for each camera line. Now, I'm getting verklempt…so talk amongst yourselves. Guests: Shawn Steiner, Justin Dise, Todd Vorenkamp

The OPTIC 2016 Imaging Conference provided numerous opportunities to talk with some of the most respected nature and landscape photographers working today, but the highlights of our two days at OPTIC had to be our chat with Michael Kenna, the event's keynote presenter, and our conversation with Paul and John Paul Caponigro. It is unnecessary to summarize the work of these three photographers in any quick description but, suffice it to say, each is a master of his craft. While their work is distinctive and unique, it was wonderful to hear of their common vision, approach—and yes, spirituality—and for this reason, we present their conversations together. With Kenna we spoke of process, why he sticks with medium format film photography and what motivates and inspires his work. With the Caponigros, we touched upon the spirit of art, how to communicate with nature and, with Father's Day in mind, how to let a child discover his or her own path to artistic expression. Join us for these two inspirational conversations. Guests: Michael Kenna (1:30 - 30:05) Paul and John Paul Caponigro (31:00-57:10) Photo Credit: Paul Caponigro (l) and John Paul Caponigro (r)

Every year, B&H hosts the OPTIC Imaging Conference, showcasing the best nature, landscape, and travel photography. The 2016 edition was a stellar outing, with presentations by the most interesting photographers working in those fields. It also serves as a chance for participants to put their hands on the latest cameras, lenses, and gear from the major manufacturers. In today's episode we talk with gear experts from the most respected camera, lens and accessory manufacturers. Sigma: 2:10 Fujifilm: 10:18 Canon: 16:40 ------------------------- Lensbaby: 24:40 Sony: 35:20 Panasonic: 45:35 ------------------------ Tiffen: 54:12 Tamron: 61:17 Nikon: 68:46 OPTIC is a wonderful opportunity to embrace photography, interact with incredible photographers, and play with the latest tools of the trade. This year, legends such as Michael Kenna and Paul Caponigro spoke and presented work, and we will be sharing our conversations with them and other photographers in future episodes, but today we feature a collection of our talks with representatives of the major camera and lens makers. And while we tried to have them divulge secrets for their as-of-yet-unannounced marvels waiting for us on the designer's tables, we had to settle for updates on their newest cameras, lenses, filters, and adapters. We also snuck in some chat about the current and future state of the camera industry, and a few laughs to boot. Guests: Marc Farb, Michael Bulbenko, Rudy Winston, Ken Mitchell, Amy Klotsman, Tom Curley, Michael Cassara, K.T. Leung, Lindsay Silverman Photo Credit: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Today we talk cameras! In this episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we invite two respected members of the B&H team to tell us which one camera offers them all they would ever want from one camera. Well, not exactly, but Christina Smith and Andrea Ortado do provide us with much to consider when we go on this hypothetical journey to find your "desert island" camera. Would it be full frame or film, have interchangeable lenses (but which one lens), would it be rugged and waterproof, be blazing fast or ultra-high resolution? How about high ISO or touch screen or an optical view finder? These are some of the questions we ask as we move toward the conclusion of our episode, when we each reveal which one camera we would choose if we had only one camera to use. Guests: Christina Smith and Andrea Ortado

Wet-Collodion, Daguerreotype, Tintype, Calotype, Gum Bichromate, Van Dyke Brown. Oh my! On this week's podcast, we welcome Geoffrey Berliner, Executive Director of the Penumbra Foundation, and photographer Jolene Lupo, to talk about alternative process photography. The Penumbra Foundation is an exceptional organization, dedicated to the art, science, and history of photography and Berliner outlines their history and mission and the workshops and facilities they make available to all photographers, while Lupo discusses her tintype work at Penumbra and her Spirit Photography. This episode is a true education, not just on the various alternative processes, but on the history of photography and on how learning the original pre-film processes will improve your digital photography. Guests: Geoffrey Berliner and Jolene Lupo Photograph by Jolene Lupo

The Pulitzer Prizes for Feature and for Breaking News Photography are the highest honors that a photojournalist can receive and, between our two guests, they have won four. Martha Rial won the award for her coverage of Rwandan refugees fleeing genocide, and Ruth Fremson has won the award for her team coverage of the Bill Clinton impeachment process and for coverage of the 9/11 attacks in New York and of Pakistan and Afghanistan in the months after September, 2001. Both photographers join us to discuss how the Pulitzer Prize affected their lives and careers. We talk about the assignments that earned them their honors, the process of submission, how they were notified of their awards, and how winning the awards and forever being known as a "Pulitzer Prize- winning photographer" changed their assignments and the direction of their work. Join us for this enjoyable conversation with two tremendously talented photographers who have been firsthand witnesses to our shared history. Guests: Martha Rial and Ruth Fremson

Some days, I love my job, and this was most definitely one of those days. We were in a room of heroes, not just heroes of mine, but actual heroes, people who fill their lives, risk their lives, for passion and for the betterment of humanity. The gathering was called "The Pulitzer Prize Photographers," held in celebration of the centennial of the establishment of the Pulitzer Prize and organized by the Eddie Adams Workshop, the Parsons School of Design, and supported, in part, by B&H Photo. It brought together Pulitzer-Prize-winning photographers from six decades, displayed their history lesson of potent journalism, and gave time and space for their stories to be told. At times, emotion filled the auditorium, tears were shed, but by the end of the night, there was joy—Nick Ut hamming it up in the photo booth, Adrees Latif and Ruth Fremson pressing limes for margaritas at the after-party. I shook hands with Robert Jackson, who captured the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald, and thanked Daniel Berehulak—he risked his life to document the Ebola plague in West Africa, and in doing so, helped bring to an earlier end that horrible epidemic. Nancy Borowick, who chronicled her parent's illnesses and deaths, seemed endearingly unaware of her might, and John White brought a smile to many faces, reminding us that as photographers we are "visual servants." This episode of our podcast will do its best to bring you to this event, to share moments of insight from the speakers and provide a sense of the evening's activities. Even if photojournalism is not your primary interest, enjoy, be moved, and be inspired by the experience and wisdom put forth at this gathering of greats.

In addition to her fashion and commercial photography, Lindsay Adler is a much sought-after speaker and educator and, after listening to this episode, there'll be no surprise as to why. With clarity and conviction, she walks us through all the steps of producing commercial and editorial fashion shoots, beginning with the initial contact with the client to concept development, budgeting, casting, and collaboration, all the way to delivery of the final product. Adler offers concrete examples and insightful anecdotes that will appeal to photographers at any stage in their career. Hair, makeup, lighting, gear, set building, retouching, keeping your crew happy, and just how many assistants a professional parrot needs are all part of this enjoyable conversation. Guest: Lindsay Adler

Not Believing in Roadblocks, Part II – The Making of a Photojournalist Photojournalist and 2016 World Press Photo award winner Adriane Ohanesian joins us for a captivating two-part conversation on her work in South Sudan, Darfur, and Burma, and describes how she made the transition from anthropology student to conflict and humanitarian photographer. This conversation is divided into two parts, but its themes of women in photojournalism and the difficult but fulfilling life of freelance work in war-torn areas permeates the entire conversation. With her confident and compassionate demeanor, Ohanesian relates how she was introduced to the cultures of East Africa, snuck into South Sudan to begin her career, faced down military commanders and navigated a month-long trek into Darfur to photograph displaced families living in a cave. She also talks about the challenges and advantages of being a female photojournalist and the amazing resilience of people living through years of war and abuse. Also joining us on this compelling episode is B&H writer Jill Waterman. We're proud to present the voice of a young photojournalist from whom we expect to hear a great deal in the years to come. Ohanesian's World Press Photo award-winning photograph can be seen at http://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo/2016/contemporary-issues/adriane-ohanesian Guest: Adriane Ohanesian

Not Believing in Roadblocks, Part I – Women and Photojournalism Photojournalist and 2016 World Press Photo award winner Adriane Ohanesian joins us for a captivating two-part conversation on her work in South Sudan, Darfur, and Burma, and describes how she made the transition from anthropology student to conflict and humanitarian photographer. This conversation is divided into two parts, but its themes of women in photojournalism and the difficult but fulfilling life of freelance work in war-torn areas permeates the entire conversation. With her confident and compassionate demeanor, Ohanesian relates how she was introduced to the cultures of East Africa, snuck into South Sudan to begin her career, faced down military commanders and navigated a month-long trek into Darfur to photograph displaced families living in a cave. She also talks about the challenges and advantages of being a female photojournalist and the amazing resilience of people living through years of war and abuse. Also joining us on this compelling episode is B&H writer Jill Waterman. We're proud to present the voice of a young photojournalist from whom we expect to hear a great deal in the years to come. Ohanesian's World Press Photo award-winning photograph can be seen at http://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo/2016/contemporary-issues/adriane-ohanesian Guest: Adriane Ohanesian

Lens adapters are certainly not new items in the savvy photographer's gear bag, but they have taken on an added significance since the onset of mirrorless camera production, and can be the literal link between the cold efficiency of digital cameras and the distinctive character of exotic lenses from an earlier era. Of course, there are high-tech electronic adapters too and what may be surprising is just how important adapters are to filmmakers and how they have up-ended the used lens market. In this episode, we talk with two unapologetic old lens zealots who regularly use adapters to connect lenses from a range of manufacturers to their many cameras. We start with a basic introduction to the common types and brands of adapters and then "geek out" on the many ways to use adapters for creative experimentation and unique imaging. Guests: Johnny Tsang and Victor Samoilovich For images of some of the adapters and lenses discussed on this show, link to the B&H Instagram feed at https://www.instagram.com/bhphoto/

Pulitzer Prize and Cannes Lion award winner Vincent LaForet has accomplished so much in still and motion photography, yet he continues to push himself to create images he has "never seen before". This drive has led to his most recent passion project on high-altitude night photography and the incredible book, "AIR". LaForet joins us for an in-depth conversation on the thrills, as well as the logistical, technical, and physical challenges of creating the images for this book. From lessons taught to him by his father, to combat and sports photography, to the pressure of self-funding a project, to gear and technical advice, LaForet regales us with wonderful stories from his career and the making of "AIR". Guest: Vincent LaForet To purchase the book follow this link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1199832-REG/laforet_visuals_978_0_9960587_2_8_book_air_1st_edition.html To see footage of LaForet in action and the making of AIR, check out this B&H Prospectives Video. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/features/bh-prospectives-aerial-photography-vincent-laforet

The B&H Photography Podcast has been streaming for almost six months and we have had some incredible guests, and discussed aspects of photography from gear to technique to art to funding your work. We pride ourselves on our eclectic approach to photography and are pleased to present this episode, which features of a wonderful set of clips from some of our first 20 episodes. We've chosen segments that highlight our broad range and evince the heart of the very insightful and entertaining conversations we have hosted. We also added a few bloopers just for fun. This "sampler platter" offers talks on drones, the digital versus film experience, Leica history, night photography, the Museum of Modern Art, the best cameras of 2015 and the future of DSLRs. Sit back (unless you're driving), enjoy and thank you for making our show the success it has become.

Has your wedding photography gone stale? Do your photos look just like everyone else's? Perhaps you need to inject a little bit of you into your photography. Kristi Drago-Price knows wedding photography from all the angles—as a shooter, as an editor, and as a speaker and consultant. She joins us for a high-spirited chat, offering core ideas to improve your wedding photography. This episode is not about the latest gear or lighting techniques, but more, "how to get your game on"—how to get the most out of your style and build a client base that will grow with you. Thoughts on pre- and post-wedding communication, popular shooting styles, marketing, "eye-candy," and getting published in wedding magazines will inspire you as the wedding season approaches. Guest: Kristi Drago-Price

For many, photography is a solitary endeavor. We enjoy the time alone or the one-on-one interaction with a subject, but how do we improve our skill set and network with others when we only have our "inner Ansel" on which to bounce ideas and techniques? A photography workshop may be the answer, and there is a wide range of choices when it comes to workshops, from weekend get-togethers on specific disciplines to intensive courses to overseas adventures. Our guests represent two well-known workshops and detail the distinctions between their organizations and other available options. In between the laughs our host provides, we discuss changes in the photo industry that have affected the workshop business and factors to consider if you are thinking about attending a workshop. Guests: Alyssa Adams and Mirjam Evers

With the prevalence of "staff" photography jobs dwindling and the number of "photographers" increasing, finding regular freelance work and funding your own project is more complicated than ever. Yes, the tried-and-true rules of self-motivation and hustle are still the fundamentals, but today's guests offer solutions to put photographers together with those who will support their work, regardless of the photographic discipline. Matt Craig, of blink, and Theresa Hubbard, of Fractured Atlas, discuss their organizations' novel approaches and, together, we talk technology, content marketing, crowd sourcing, and what's available in the new marketplace to monetize your photographic efforts. Guests: Matt Craig and Theresa Hubbard

We run a little long on this episode, but when you have guests of this caliber, it's well worth the extra time. Today we welcome legendary AP photo editor Hal Buell and Time LightBox photo editor Olivier Laurent. Bringing distinctive cultural and generational perspectives to the table, our two guests discuss the idea of an iconic photograph. We start with an attempt to define an iconic photo and, along the way, we talk about the editing process, war photography, mobile technology, photo manipulation, important photos from 2015 and many, many of the greatest photos ever taken. For working professionals, photo historians and anyone interested in how photography impacts our life, this is an episode for you. Guests: Hal Buell and Olivier Laurent

In the past few weeks both Canon and Nikon have announced their latest flagship DSLR cameras, the Nikon D5 and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. Our expert guests, Levi Tenenbaum and Shawn Steiner have had a chance to play with these new models and join us to report on their findings. We discuss the upgraded specs and what differentiates these cameras from their predecessors, and from each other. We also take time to talk about their video capabilities and get into the bigger issues of who these cameras will appeal to, are they worth the upgrade and what the future may hold for the DSLR form factor. This is a straightforward and very informative conversation on some of the best cameras available today.

In less than an hour, this podcast will teach you everything you need to know about night photography. Seriously. While our show is not a tutorial, the conversation is deep and broad; it touches upon every aspect of the craft. Guests Gabriel Biderman and Todd Vorenkamp blanket this subject with an engaging and humorous tone—from the psychological predisposition common to night shooters and the science of rods and cones to cameras, gear, apps and techniques for creating images of star trails. This is truly an episode for all levels of shutterbugs seeking to explore or master photography at night. Well done guys! Guests: Gabriel Biderman and Todd Vorenkamp

If you've ever doubted that photography is a multi-faceted endeavor, this episode should cure you of that delusion. Here at B&H, we deal with the nuts and bolts of photography—we can talk f/stops, megapixels, composition, and classic cameras with the best of 'em, but for today's podcast, we clean ourselves up to chat with two leading figures from the art and theoretical side of photography. Roxana Marcoci, Senior Curator in the Museum of Modern Art's Department of Photography and the adroit, multi-talented Stephen Mayes join us to discuss Ocean of Images, MoMA's most recent iteration of its venerable New Photography exhibition series. This impressive gathering of photographers and artists sparks themes regarding the proliferation of images, the fluidity of photography, and the ever-evolving interpretation of how photography fits into the world of art. Strap on your thinking caps. Guests: Roxana Marcoci and Stephen Mayes

Despite poking a little fun with this episode's title, we are big fans of photography websites and camera blogs, and if you are reading this, you probably are, too. On this week's podcast, we are fortunate to have Kevin Raber and Jason Hermann, proprietors of Luminous Landscape and SonyAlphaLab, respectively. Have you ever wondered how sites like these operate, are funded, get gear to review and deal with the, shall we say "experts," who populate the comment sections? In this very animated, on-point conversation, Raber and Hermann talk specifically about their sites, the proliferation of gear chat, and the camera industry in general. Guests: Kevin Raber and Jason Hermann

We're none of us perfect, and thank goodness for that. As my favorite saying goes, perfection is the opposite of good, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to be better. Whether you are a newbie or a more experienced photographer, there is a constant need to improve your skills, and to open your mind to new approaches. With the spirit of the New Year still warming our souls, we brought in Jason Fulford, co-editor of The Photographer's Playbook, and Todd Vorenkamp, author of 13 Creative Exercises for Photographers, to discuss methods that will feed your creativity and improve your photography. Simple games to daily exercises to deep thoughts, all wrapped in a pleasant conversation, let's just call this episode the "Coffee Klatch on Creativity." Guests: Jason Fulford and Todd Vorenkamp

Anyone, I mean, anyone can submit their photos for sale in the stock-photography market. (Are you a foaper?) But the question remains: is it worth it? No doubt, the industry has been transformed by corporate conglomeration and digital technology but, while some decry the devaluation of the image, others see huge opportunity and a bright future. Join us as industry expert Paul Melcher and former Getty executive and now independent photographer and boutique agency owner Rana Faure relate their experiences in the stock-photo business. We'll ask them to explain the various types of agencies, what makes a good stock shot, and we'll get to the truth behind the myth of the "lottery" photo. Guests: Rana Faure and Paul Melcher

Well, what does that mean? Yes, it's owned by Facebook and yes, Taylor Swift has 62 million followers, but we asked two professional photographers with hundreds of thousands of followers and a magazine editor how they use Instagram to engage their followers, interest clients, raise revenue, and keep the creative blood flowing. DSLR or smartphone? Hashtag or not? Strategies for gaining followers? More important than your webpage? Is it the most important brand in photography? These are some of the questions we ask in this fun conversation with three savvy veterans of social media. Since Instagram is already five years old, we also discuss future possibilities for this incredible image platform. Guests: Sharon Radisch, Sam Horine, and Libby Peterson

My apologies for the personal question, but we all suffer from Gear Acquisition Syndrome in one form or another, and it's good to talk about it, especially if it aids in recovery. With Gabe Biderman and Todd Vorenkamp, we will discuss camera cycles from the digital and analog eras, talk new technology and try to understand why there is so much camera stuff to buy nowadays. Who is to blame for G.A.S.? The camera manufacturers, the retailers, the blogs, China!? Or could it be that imaging technology has improved so much in the past few years to truly warrant this welcomed illness? Either way, our guests will commiserate with your suffering and even provide a few simple cures for what ails you. Join us for an enlightening and entertaining conversation and while you're at it, shout us out on Twitter with #BHPhotoPodcast and rate our episode on iTunes. Thanks!

Gearheads, tech geeks, fanboys, and all you gift givers—this is the podcast for you. In this episode, we sit with two of our favorite guests and, fortunately, two very knowledgeable photographers, Matt Hill and Levi Tenenbaum. They offer their well-informed opinions on what should be considered the Cameras of the Year for 2015 and our host, Allan Weitz, adds his two cents, making for a lively conversation on new cameras of all formats. We make time for a nod to the best lenses and accessories, too. Please take a moment to share your favorite 2015 cameras on Twitter with #BHPhotoPodcast and leave a review of our episode on iTunes. Thanks! Guests: Matt Hill and Levi Tenenbaum

Guests: Greg Kahn, Ed Kashi and Carolyn Monastra On the historic occasion of more than 150 heads of state gathering in one place on one day (Monday, in Paris, for COP2015) it's fortuitous for us to be able to present an episode that recognizes photography's ongoing role in addressing our most serious concerns. We are pleased to have three photographers on the podcast, all with a wide body of work—in photojournalism, documentary, and fine art—discussing the photography they do in regard to climate change. From collaborative efforts to going it alone, international adventure to gaining the trust of small communities, aerial photography to dusty river beds, Ed Kashi, Greg Kahn, and Carolyn Monastra bring their distinctive approaches to the subject and agree that photography can play an important role in advocating for progress and that innovation will spring from addressing this issue facing us. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily represent those of B&H Photo.