Portable monitors are becoming very common, especially because many more creative professionals adapt an on-the-go lifestyle. However, this feature-packed monitor might be perfect for photographers and other digital visual creatives.
Portable monitors are helpful in many ways, not just to photographers but to anyone who uses tablets and laptops for productivity. Carrying around an extra screen can allow you to do more things at once and improve the ergonomics of handling multiple apps and/or files while working. There’s a very long list of portable monitors available in the market that come in many different shapes and sizes, however not all of them offer top-notch resolution, color accuracy, and functionality in just one device. The ASUS ProArt PA169CDV combines the top-tier functionalities of two very helpful tools for photographers and digital artists.
The PA169CDV is a 15.6” IPS panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio housed in a thin bezel and encased in a slim, glossy surface with an anti-reflective and moisture-resistant coating. This has a functional screen size of 13.6 x 7.7 inches (345.6 x 194.4mm) with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 (4K) at a refresh rate of 60Hz. This 15.6” 4K screen has a peak brightness of 400 nits however, running at such brightness requires the use of the supplied power adapter. When powered by USB-C from the computer, it can only go up to 180 nits.
As far as portable monitors are concerned, the above-mentioned specifications are pretty common. However, one of the things that make this portable monitor stand out is that it is capable of displaying 10-bit colors with 100% of the SRGB and Rec709 color spaces. It has a maximum contrast ratio of 1200:1 and is VESA-certified DisplayHDR400. The PA169CDV is both Calman-verified and Pantone-validated and comes with an individual panel color accuracy factory report that shows the specific peak color accuracy rating when properly calibrated.
These monitors generally have a standard of Delta E <2 but can achieve even better accuracy depending on lighting conditions and individual calibration in the actual lighting environment where they are to be used. The specific one tested for this article had a maximum rating of 0.53, which is way better than what the specifications say.
In addition to being a slim monitor that works with just a single USB-C cable and can be significantly color accurate if properly calibrated before use, the ProArt PA169CDV also functions as a 15.6-inch pen display. Equipped with Wacom’s EMR tech, this portable monitor works with a battery-free pen with 4096 different pressure levels and comfortable working angles of up to 40 degrees to any side. This pen also comes with a customizable button, a customizable digital eraser on the distal end, and replaceable tips.
The 13.6 x 7.7 inches of the display is also the same functional area for use with the pen or as a touch screen. Typically, screens that are both touch and pen-compatible tend to be glitchy. However, in my experience, the detection of the pen swiftly triggers palm/touch rejection to ensure that no unintended inputs are made, especially when drawing or retouching.
To complement the functions of the pen display, on the left side of the panel is a modified version of the ProArt dial that was first introduced in the ProArt Studiobook laptops a couple of years back. This customizable dial allows you to switch through pre-selected functions such as exposure, contrast, saturation, brush size, opacity, and any available function on a wide range of apps that have linear adjustments. While the dial has a huge ergonomic impact since everything is within reach on and around the display, there are no programmable buttons or hotkeys that could exponentially make it easier to switch between tools in Photoshop and other applications.
As a functional secondary touch display, pretty much like how the secondary screens on ASUS’ laptops are, the PA169CDV is also compatible with the ASUS control panel, which is a customizable virtual editing console that is compatible with select applications, mainly those within the Adobe ecosystem. This turns the screen into a panel with knobs and dials assigned to certain functions depending on the app being used. For example, for Adobe Lightroom, each of the dials can be assigned for the sliders on the develop module, which gives a unique and potentially more efficient user experience.
With all the features and capabilities factored in, the PA169CDV can do a lot of what photographers and other related creative fields might require on the go. It can go from as simple as extending a desktop for better productivity, multi-tasking such as working on one screen while consuming content on the other, using it as a secondary monitor for shooting photos or video content, all the way to using it as a more intensive editing tool through the touch functions and as a pen display.
Dozens of manufacturers have come out with various portable display options that come in different shapes and sizes. However, not many of them offer the resolution and color performance of monitors from the ProArt line. At the same time, brands like Wacom, Huion, and Xencelabs make very capable pen tablets and pen displays but what makes this particular one stand out is having all of the functions and the top-tier specifications along with the innovative features all in one device.
There are definitely a number of ways this can be made even better, such as by adding hotkeys or a separate editing shortcut panel. Costs aside, it would also be great to have an OLED variant with an even wider color gamut, brighter output, and even higher contrast. In addition, it might also be beneficial for this to have either a built-in battery or a detachable portable power source that would keep it portable and balanced even when being used in situations outside of the typical editing desk.
Those improvement points aside, this color-accurate portable monitor and pen display already is a remarkable product that combines the functionalities of tools that many digital visual creatives use separately.
Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark’s advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.
You might be surprised by how many brides still flip through the glossy pages of wedding magazines to gather inspiration for their big day, says Charlotte-based wedding photographer and videographer Robert Burns II.
But as with many types of publications, bridal magazines are increasingly moving to digital formats — swapping that satisfying page-turn with a swift click. Burns recently ventured into the world of digital publishing himself, with his new annual bridal publication, BRIDE Magazine.
With over 15 years of experience in photography and a decade specializing in weddings, Burns has seen big shifts in the bridal industry, from where couples are getting married to what they want out of photos and videos on the big day.
On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Burns talks with the Ledger’s Cristina Bolling about:
What inspired him to launch a digital magazine.
Wedding photography and video trends, from drone photos and video highlight reels to quick-turnaround images couples can share before their honeymoon.
Common mistakes couples make while planning for their big day.
The “hyper-personalization” trend of inserting small, meaningful details into weddings that reflect the couple.
We hope you enjoy the conversation with Robert Burns II.
To learn more about Robert Burns II Photography & Videography and BRIDE Magazine, visit RobertBurnsIIWedding.com.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
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Dr. Rand Rudland, a seasoned explorer of medical frontiers and ecological wonders, will present a carefully curated collection of his photographs and projects on June 28 at the Friendship Center in Vanderhoof.
Rudland will be in town to attend the reunion event at Nechako Valley Senior Secondary (NVSS). Born in Fort Fraser, Rudland attended high school at NVSS before pursuing medical studies at the University of British Columbia and McGill University. He practiced medicine in remote locations across the globe and then retired on the Sunshine Coast, where he practiced for 35 years.
During his time off, he worked with the Northern Medical Unit of the University of Manitoba, providing fly-in medical services to many remote Inuit communities across the central and eastern Arctic and the shores of Hudson Bay, while taking advantage of the locations for his photographic pursuits.
His career included stints as a ship’s physician aboard ecotour ships navigating the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Arctic Circle. These voyages on vessels like the World Discoverer and the Kapitan Khlebnikov offered him opportunities to photograph elusive wildlife and pristine landscapes in places such as South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Wrangel Island.
Beyond his medical practice and maritime adventures, Rudland’s curiosity led him to explore remote corners of the globe. He undertook natural history tours to diverse destinations such as Japan, Papua New Guinea, the Aleutian Islands, and various Pacific sub-antarctic islands.
These expeditions were integral to his role as a naturalist and photographer, capturing everything from rare butterflies on the Sunshine Coast to polar bears in the Arctic.
Experiencing profound cultural events in remote islands, particularly in Melanesia, has been a deeply moving and memorable event for him, Rudland said. These encounters allowed him to immerse himself in the local traditions and cuisines of these cultures. Rudland captured these experiences in videos and will present them next week in Vanderhoof.
Additionally, photographing some of the world’s rarest bird species, often seen and documented only a handful of times historically, has been a driving passion for him throughout these years.
“Just finding the rarest of the rare species and being able to photograph them and document where they are, I think, has been really exciting,” he said.
As he prepares to reunite with former classmates and friends, Dr. Rudland eagerly anticipates sharing stories of his favourite wildlife encounters, cultural moments, and scenic landscapes.
He said his training as a wildlife biologist in forest ecology will influence many of his presentations. “Everything that I present will be sort of framed in the context of worldwide biodiversity that I’ve been able to photograph,” he said.
Asked about the best part of sharing these stories with people, he emphasized the importance of conservation. “I’ve become sort of a teacher at heart, and maybe I always was, but I always hope that people go away from my presentations having learned something about the fragility of our ecosystems, wherever those may be, and how important it is to protect them.”
In our busy, always-on world, the art of macro photography can be a balm for mental health. When you’re engaged in capturing the intricate details of flowers and insects, it’s harder to focus your attention elsewhere. For many photographers, macro enables them to escape their everyday stressors – on top of being a rewarding and creative outlet in itself.
Canon pro photographer Matt Doogue has been photographing close-ups in nature for over a decade and has found comfort by immersing himself in the beauty of the miniature world. Based in the UK, he has become something of a mental health speaker, and he regularly gives talks on how the slowness of the genre can create a sense of calm and concentration. With a profound respect for the natural world, Matt often describes what he does as photo therapy and credits photography with being a life-saver in his darkest times.
Macro may help with mindfulness, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy from a technical point of view. For a start, you’ll need a dedicated macro lens that’s capable of focusing at close distances. And even then, it can be very challenging to precisely focus on extremely small subjects and manage a shallow depth of field at higher magnifications. One technique that Matt uses to increase the sharpness throughout his images is focus stacking, both manually and using the latest automated stacking features in Canon’s EOS R5 and EOS R7 mirrorless cameras.
Discover how macro helps Matt to stay connected to the present moment, plus the technical skills he uses for the sharpest shots.
Matt has over a decade of experience shooting for the likes of National Geographic and BBC Earth. He’s a dedicated conservationist and uses his social platform – plus school outreach visits as a teacher – to raise awareness and support for environmental issues. Matt is an advocate for mental health awareness and support, having struggled with his own health in the past. His upcoming book, The Complete Guide to Macro Photography, will be released in July 2024.
I am putting the final touches to my macro photography book, Close-Up: The Complete Guide to Macro Photography and also looking at a new project that doesn’t involve arthropods. It’ll be a more abstract approach this time.
I’ve dabbled in various macro techniques over the years, but have found my sweet spot in a softer, more artistic aesthetic. It’s about capturing not just the subject but its essence, you know? I want to compose shots that reflect the character of what I’m shooting, along with some of its environment or habitat. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between artistry and showcasing the true nature of my subjects.
I actually found photography during a tough time in my early twenties. I was dealing with some mental health battles and found solace in nature. There’s something about the quiet beauty of the natural world that’s incredibly calming. As I started exploring the macro world, photography became more than just a hobby – it became a form of mindfulness for me. Each shot helped me focus, find peace, and truly appreciate the small, intricate details around me. So, in a way, photography found me when I needed it the most.
For me, photography became this incredible form of therapy, almost unexpectedly. When I was going through a bit of a breakdown, I started exploring macro photography, and it was like a whole new world opened up.
The act of capturing those intricate details, being fully present in the moment, was almost meditative. It allowed me to step away from the chaos in my mind. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; I was expressing myself artistically, and reconnecting with the world in a way that brought a sense of purpose. Photography became my therapy, my way of healing, and I’m grateful every day for how it’s helped me through those tough times.
I started with a Canon EOS 6D, and while I still have it and use it, I’ve now got the Canon EOS R5 which I switched to in 2022. The latest mirrorless cameras have so many benefits, one being the high ISO range and noise handling performance in low light. I wanted to explore more macro photography in natural light, and I knew the EOS R5 would allow me to push the boundaries of ISO. That’s one of the things I love about the EOS R5; it gives me greater flexibility with my work.
I’ve tried the in-camera stacking feature found in the Canon EOS R7. Because it captures a series of images with different focus points, internally stacks your frames, and gives you the composite, it saves so much time in post-processing. You can set the increment that you want the camera to adjust focus, from narrow to wide, and then the number of shots you want taken during a single stack. The EOS menu functions are easy to access and understand, opening up focus stacking for amateurs and not just professional Canon photographers.
Flash is recommended the further you go with magnification, as it just makes things easier. The further you increase magnification, the shorter the working distance becomes between the lens and the subject. This means that the working area for available light becomes restricted, and adding a flash, especially at the end of your lens, helps to illuminate your subject and scene. Flash also helps to freeze the photographer’s motion and, in some cases, the subject, resulting in an overall sharper image. It depends on the subject, though.
A shiny beetle’s elytra [wing cases] don’t photograph well with flash due to its reflective surface, so natural light would be my preferred choice. Smaller, more intimate creatures may hide certain details that a flash can help to bring out. Over the years you begin to learn what works best for what subjects and settings.
Buy a second-hand dedicated macro lens and flash if you can. Get used to working at 1:1 magnification and experiment with lighting by photographing objects at home – start with flowers indoors. In the comfort of your home, you can experiment with your creativity and camera gear without worrying about fieldcraft or losing a subject. Then get out there and get lost in an amazing world we often overlook.
A longer version of this interview originally appeared in Issue 214 of PhotoPlus magazine. Click the link below to see our latest special subscription deal!
As well as the best macro lenses, you might want to check out the best cameras for macro photography to really maximize your macro work.
Invaluable advice on why photographers, particularly those more advanced in their careers, should reconsider the practice of spontaneous, unplanned test shoots in fashion and beauty photography.
Test shoots can be a valuable tool for photographers in order to test lighting designs, familiarize yourself with directing portrait subjects, experiment with new techniques, and building a diverse portfolio. Even so, test shoots arent always the best idea for photographers. Drawing from her extensive experience, photographer Kayleigh June cautions that as photographers progress through their careers, the lack of planning and purpose in test shoots can lead to subpar results and wasted resources.
One of the key points Kayleigh highlights is the need for careful planning and conceptualization. Unplanned shoots can actually have an adverse effect and result in mediocre images that do not add value to a photographer’s portfolio. In that case, what is the point of taking the time to do them? Its important to have a clear vision, and collaborate effectively with models, makeup artists, and stylists to ensure success. Without this, the outcome can be disappointing, leaving photographers feeling deflated and dissatisfied.
Kayleigh June’s video serves as a thoughtful reminder to photographers to prioritize planned, purposeful shoots. This strategic approach not only enhances the quality of their portfolios but also preserves their passion and professional growth.
