The Perseid meteor shower is often the most spectacular meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere due to frequency as well as its appearance in summer. Here’s how to photograph it!

There are typically about 100 visible meteors per hour on average. Of course, how many are visible depends on your weather and light conditions.

Find dark clear skies

Find the darkest skies you can, away from light pollution, preferably with large open spaces to view the night sky. Obviously, you also want to find a place with as few clouds as possible. Typically, they peak in early August. However, you can see plenty of meteors on other nights surrounding the peak. The most important thing is that you have dark, clear skies, preferably when the moon is not out. You can find out when the moon is out as well as other information about the photographing by using some of these apps.

When should you go?

Although the moon will set soon after it gets dark, between midnight and dawn should still have the most visible meteors. The next Perseids meteor display will likely peak around the night of August 12 and before dawn on August 13 2024. Unlike last year, however, the moon will be 50% illuminated for this peak. However, on August 12, the moon will set near midnight. After that, you will get some dark skies, better for viewing. Consequently, the best time to watch this will be after midnight to just before dawn. You may see as many as 90-100 meteors per hour during the peak. The shower is from July 14 through September 1.

What do you need to photograph the Perseid meteors?

There’s a few pieces of gear that make life great when photographing the meteor shower:

1. A camera that has manual mode. This includes just about any DSLR or mirrorless camera. A wide-angle lens will capture more of the night sky, increasing your chances of capturing the streaking meteors.
2. A tripod for keeping your camera still.
3. Other helpful gear can include a shutter release cable.
4. Gaffer’s tape (I like orange colored tape so I can see it at night)
5. Headlamp (try to use this as little as possible to preserve your night vision; use a red headlamp if possible)
6. Lawn chair, especially one that reclines so you can watch the universe’s glorious light show.
7. Favorite beverage
8. Snacks
9. Friends

Where do you aim the camera?

I could be snarky and say “the sky,” but no, you want more information than that! The Perseids meteor shower is named after the constellation of Perseus because that’s the location in the sky where the meteors appear to originate. This is sometimes referred to as the radiant point. Perseus will appear more or less north and drift northeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, where this will be most visible.

However, I should mention that the meteors will be visible in many places in the night sky. You are not restricted to pointing your camera north or northeast. Think about composition as well. Maybe there is an interesting foreground nearby that adds interest to your photo, or perhaps point it to the south or southeast so you can also capture the Milky Way.

Take many successive shots

You can’t wait for a meteor to streak across the sky and then try to trigger your camera. It would already be too late!

The secret is to keep your camera continuously clicking, then lean back and enjoy the meteor shower.

The other secret? Turn off Long Exposure Noise Reduction (LENR) on your camera. Why? Because it will pause for the length of the exposure to apply noise reduction, and we don’t really want that here. We want the camera to continuously photograph.

We will discuss two ways your camera can continually take photos.

1. Wired remote shutter release

Use a cheap remote shutter release. You can get one that attaches to your camera via a cable. Once you have this, set your camera to Continuous Burst mode. This is the same mode that allows you to shoot rapid-fire sequences like what sports photographers do. We night photographers can use these too, but in slow motion.

Simply set your camera to your ideal settings, such as a 20-30 second exposure, f/2.8 and ISO of 1600-6400, depending on how bright the scene is (or how wide your aperture is). Lock down your remote shutter release. This should keep your camera clicking merrily away, taking one photo after another. Many cameras have a limit of 100 consecutive photos, so be aware of that and set a timer if you wish. Then simply start it up again.

2. Intervalometer

Your camera may have a built-in intervalometer already. Or you can purchase an external intervalometer and attach it to your camera. There are myriad options including Bluetooth camera controllers as well. You can set the time of exposure, time between each photo (which should be as short as possible, typically one second), and how many individual photos you wish to photograph. If you want to learn more about setting your intervalometer, please read this handy article that walks you through it!

Camera settings

Set your lens to infinity. If you are not sure how to focus for infinity and the stars in the sky, this article on finding infinity may help you! Assuming you are using a wide-angle lens and the moon is not out, try a shutter speed of around 20-30 seconds. Choose a large aperture, something like f/2.4 or f/2.8. And then adjust the ISO to something relatively high, such as ISO 1600 or 3200, whatever works for getting a decent exposure and lots of stars.

Take a test shot. Can you see the night sky, the stars, and everything else? Is everything exposed reasonably well? If you cannot, adjust something in your exposure triangle, such as the shutter speed or the ISO. 

Remember this, though. If you adjust it much past 30 seconds on an ultra wide angle lens, the stars will begin appearing elongated rather than pinpoints. And if you adjust the ISO for a very high setting, it will become noisier and have less dynamic range.

Keep people away from your tripod. Don’t shine lights around the area. Relax and watch the heavenly show.

What do I do with all these photos?

You’ll have possibly hundreds of photos of the night sky. Hopefully some have meteors! If so, congratulations! Cherry-pick those and show them off to your friends and family.

But there’s another bonus. Whether you have meteors or not, you may also take all these successive photos and make an image of long star trails that may or may not feature shooting stars! If you are interested in this, read more about photographing the time-lapses in the field and creating a time-lapse video in less than three minutes.

Going out to photograph the meteor shower this month? Don’t forget to submit your favorite images to the Photofocus Community!

Aaditya Shrirang Bhat is a talented young photographer from India who loves capturing the beauty of sunsets. His photos are known for their warm and peaceful feel, often featuring the golden light of the setting sun along with people, plants, and insects.

Aaditya has a deep connection to nature, which he showcases in his work by blending natural elements into his pictures, creating emotional and storytelling compositions. He also enjoys wildlife photography, taking pictures of animals he encounters during his forest walks. Through his lens, Aaditya not only captures the fleeting beauty of sunsets but also highlights the interconnectedness of life in nature. His photos tell unique stories and celebrate the harmony found in the natural world.

More info: Instagram | Facebook

After months of planning and thousands of dollars spent, having a beautiful wedding album to look back on will help you relive the best day of your life for years to come. Photographers are not cheap, so how do you make sure you’re getting the absolute best results possible? New Orleans photographers Darren & Shamakia Williams, Sandra O’Claire, Mo Davis and Devonte Williford have helpful tips to help you get those gorgeous shots you’ve been dreaming of.

Figure Out Your Style

Deciding who to work with is step one. Williams, O’Claire, Davis and Williford all recommend starting your search on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to find your style inspiration.

“We always suggest doing a deep dive on social media, wedding blogs and Pinterest to get a sense of what different style options are out there,” Darren Williams, one half of the husband-wife team, said. “Once you do that, you can narrow down your search to photographers that really match your aesthetic.”

Knowing the limitations of your venue is another crucial element that O’Claire emphasizes.

“If you find someone who matches your aesthetic that you really like, but all their photos are outside and in the daylight — and your wedding is inside or at night — you might end up being disappointed,” O’Claire said.

To avoid that disappointment, O’Claire says couples should always ask to see a complete gallery of a wedding that is similar to theirs.

“That way, you can be sure that they know how to work in that type of environment and understand the quirks of different types of venues, seasons and times of day,” O’Claire said.

Start Your Search Early

Finding a photographer should not be an afterthought, Davis said, particularly if you’re working within a tighter budget.

“COVID really changed things, I think, and people have a sense of urgency now that you really didn’t see at much before,” Davis said. “The old standard was six to nine months out, but I’m booking well into a year advance now.”

Regarding budget, Davis said about 10% of your overall cost should go to photography, which makes it hard to give an exact number of what you should expect to pay. However, she cautioned against assuming that in order to get the best, you’ll have to pay the most.

“That’s why I think it’s so important to work with a planner,” Davis said. “If you want stunning wedding photos, but you don’t want to drop the cost of that top-tier package, they can work with you to determine what it is that you want, and how to find a great photographer to accommodate that.”

Get Comfortable With Your Photographer and Be Yourself

So, you’ve figured out your style and booked your photographer — now it’s time to get the shot. For Williford, the number one advice he gives to couples is to be themselves.

Instead of posing, Williford likes to give couples prompts that elicit genuine reactions and make for sweet, dynamic photos.

“I’ll tell the bride to whisper something naughty in the groom’s ear or something, and that photograph is going to be a lot more special to them than a generic pose,” Williford said.

The Williamses have a similar philosophy.

“Our goal is to capture the love and happiness you see for each other. One way to get into that space ahead of an engagement shoot is to go on a little date, get some drinks, be flirty and fun before you show up,” Shamakia said. “That love and flirtiness is going to shine through and you’re going to get a great picture.”

While it’s not absolutely necessary to have the same person shoot your engagement and wedding photos, Davis and Williford said it’s a good way to get to know your photographer before the Big Day.

“I like to think of engagement shoots in a similar way to your hair and makeup trial. You want to make sure it’s a good fit, you want to get comfortable with it. That way, when your wedding day arrives, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you made the right choice,” Davis said.

Don’t Get Hung Up on a Shot List

Ultimately, Williford said the best photos come from subjects who are relaxed, having fun and being themselves. The best way to achieve that is to trust the person you hired and let them do your thing.

“If you’re worrying about whether or not they’re checking off every single box on your shot list, it’s going to be harder for you to be in the moment and that is going to show through,” he said.

Williams and O’Claire also decline to use shot lists, because they limit their options and take up time that could be better spent focusing on the details or the unexpected moments.

“I ask my clients to tell me what I don’t know,” O’Claire explained. “Tell me that your cake topper is your great-grandma’s, tell me if there’s going to be a surprise guest and whose reaction you really want to catch — things like that. I find that much more helpful than a shot-list.”

Meet the Photographers

Darren & Shamakia Williams are the husband-and-wife team behind DSW Photography. Their style is high-glam editorial with an emphasis on clean, chic artistry. dswduo.com, @dsw_photography

Sandra O’Claire and Eau Claire Photographics are pros when it comes to natural and unobtrusive documentary-style photography, which results in true-to-life, authentic and timeless imagery. Their look is classic, but modern, and O’Claire is committed to capturing the unique details of your day. eauclairephotographics.com, @eauphoto

Mo Davis made Harper’s Bazaar’s Best Photographers in the World list in 2020 and is based right here in New Orleans. Her look is artistic, ethereal and timeless and Davis does her absolute best to capture the emotion she believes in most in the world: Love. modavisphotography.com, @modavisphotography

Devonte Williford is the force behind Rare Sighting Photography, a local wedding and portrait service that turns out timeless, emotional images. Williford is a true believer in the beauty of candid shots, but he’s also an expert on getting his clients comfortable in front of the camera so that even the glam shots bring out their true personalities and feelings. raresightingphotography.com, @raresightingphotography

Finding a Photographer to Fit Your Venue

Venues often provide a list of recommended vendors, including photographers. If you already have your venue booked, they can give you names of people who worked there before and are therefore likely to be comfortable shooting there.

One of the things that I value so much about your work is that while your activism involves resistance, refusal and critique, it also includes repair, care and compassion. That complexity is the lifeblood of your work. Could you talk about that impulse to balance both?

I’ve discussed how the art world and academia are toxic spaces. I enjoy being a part of them, despite their faults or flaws. But watching my mom do the care work [with birds] as a child, I recognized that as a lineage of care that she was passing down. Care work has allowed me to disconnect from academia and the art world. I’m not saying that art and teaching can’t make a difference, but it’s so rare that we see our work in those realms make a change. 

While my animal rehabilitation work does not provide instant gratification, I can make a difference in these animals’ lives. Witnessing birds that have been in captive care rejoining the world gives me a real feeling of success. I get this high that I don’t get working in other fields. So, the care work is caring for them and caring for myself. However, it’s tricky negotiating it all with my practice. 

Many of your projects address political corruption, human rights and geopolitics between the SWANA region and the West. The work provokes the viewer to confront their blind spots. Can you talk about that?

It comes from being a kid who grew up in post-9/11 America. We lived in the Midwest, and there were no other people from the greater SWANA region. I grew up in a very heterogeneous, heteronormative white space, and even in the public education system as well as the private, no discussion of history was happening outside of the United States that wasn’t Eurocentric. That created so many blind spots for the people I grew up with. 

Post 9/11, people confused Iraq and Iran as the same place. People’s ignorance was rampant, and it remains to be so. I think ignorance is bliss for many people. Comfort is preferable to being uncomfortable and learning new things. Being raised in that context has led my work to try to tackle that mentality.

Samsung Electronics has unveiled three new mobile image sensors, the ISOCELL HP9, ISOCELL GNJ, and ISOCELL JN5, which are tailored for smartphones’ primary and secondary cameras.

Samsung’s latest sensors promise to address the escalating demands for enhanced smartphone camera capabilities and redefine mobile photography standards across diverse scenarios.

Jesuk Lee, Executive Vice President and CTO of Samsung Electronics’ System LSI Sensor Business Team, highlighted the industry’s pivot towards seamlessly integrating main and sub cameras to ensure a cohesive photography experience. Samsung aims to pioneer these advancements through its new sensor lineup.

The ISOCELL HP9 of Samsung

The ISOCELL HP9 boasts the industry’s first 200MP telephoto sensor for smartphones, incorporating 200 million 0.56-micrometer pixels within a 1/1.4-inch optical format.

Samsung claimed that its advanced microlens technology significantly improves light absorption, resulting in vibrant color reproduction and enhanced focus.

With a focus on low-light performance, the HP9 employs Tetrapixel technology to merge 16 pixels into a larger sensor, facilitating sharp portrait photography and pronounced bokeh effects.

Samsung further noted that the HP9’s expansive optical format positions it ideally for telephoto modules, delivering comparable image quality, autofocus capabilities, HDR, and frame rates in response to the growing size of main cameras in premium smartphones.

All About The ISOCELL GNJ

On the other hand, the ISOCELL GNJ is a dual-pixel sensor equipped with 50 million 1.0-micrometer pixels. Samsung designed the sensor to excel in fast and precise autofocus akin to human eye capabilities.

Enhanced by an in-sensor zoom feature, the GNJ ensures clear video footage and artifact-free high-resolution images. Its upgraded anti-refractive and pixel isolation technologies further improve light transmission, reduce unwanted reflections, and minimize pixel interference for detailed image capture.

Read Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Tipster Teases Camera Sensor Upgrades in Latest Leak

The ISOCELL JN5 of Samsung

Finally, the ISOCELL JN5 integrates 50 million 0.64-micrometer pixels within a 1/2.76-inch optical format, incorporating Dual VTG technology for improved charge transfer and reduced noise in low-light conditions.

By utilizing Super QPD for phase detection, the JN5 achieves accurate focus even when capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the JN5 integrates dual slope gain (DSG) technology to enhance its HDR capabilities. 

This approach enhances analog light information by entering the pixels into two separate signals, which are then converted into digital format and combined into a single dataset. According to Samsung, this process effectively broadens the range of colors that the sensor can reproduce.

Samsung noted that by implementing hardware remosaic algorithms, the camera achieves faster shooting speeds and enables real-time zoom functionality in both preview and capture modes, ensuring minimal delay.

Furthermore, the JN5’s slim optical format enhances its versatility, enabling seamless integration across main and sub-cameras, such as wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, front-facing, and telephoto lenses.  

“Enhancing image sensor performance and bridging the gap between main and sub cameras to offer a consistent photography experience across all angles is the new direction of the industry,” Lee said in a press release.

Related Article: Samsung Galaxy AI’s Live Translate Expands to Non-Samsung Apps, New Features Coming for Foldables

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I was impressed when I first got my hands on last year’s Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Camera Kit. It felt like the evolution of smartphone photography, and I said as much in my coverage. Even with this high watermark, Xiaomi managed to top themselves, with this year’s Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Camera Kit experience being a step above, delivering one of the best mobile photography experiences I have ever used.

While similar to last year’s offering, I was immediately struck by the sleek design and premium feel of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Camera Kit when held together in my hands. As I mentioned in my review of the phone, with its massive 1-inch sensor, variable aperture lens, and a host of other impressive specs, the 14 Ultra’s camera is a force to be reckoned with. But what truly sets the 14 Ultra apart is the optional Camera Kit accessory.

Much like last year, this kit includes a protective case, a 67mm filter adapter ring, and, most importantly, a detachable camera grip. The grip is where the magic really happens. It features a two-stage shutter button, a zoom rocker, a customizable dial, and a dedicated video button. These physical controls transform the 14 Ultra from a mere smartphone into a full-fledged camera.

I have grown accustomed to the process of photography on a smartphone, but even though it is finally catching up to the abilities of a DSLR, it never felt as tactile as I liked. That is, at least until I used these camera kits from Xiaomi. The grip fits comfortably in the hand, providing a stable and secure hold. The physical buttons and dials are intuitively placed, allowing for quick and easy adjustments without ever having to take your eye off the viewfinder. It’s a level of control and precision that I’ve been missing when using smartphones, and it’s great to have it back, even in part.

This feeling goes beyond a simple set of buttons and gets to the core of how the product works. By default, it’s set to control exposure compensation, but it can be reassigned to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more. As someone who loves to tinker with manual settings, having this level of control at my fingertips is amazing.

I feel much more comfortable getting everything set up for my specific needs. At the push of a button, it’s the way I like it, without needing to fuss with menus or settings to get things just right. I’m not saying there isn’t a time and a place for that workflow, but it’s not when you see something amazing and want to pull out your camera for the perfect shot.

“The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Camera Kit, represents a paradigm shift in smartphone photography.”

The one area where last year’s Camera Kit fell short was the lack of a direct connection or the ability to have the grip double as a battery. It seems Xiaomi listened, as this has completely changed this time around. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Kit now includes a 1,500mAh battery built into the grip, which can provide some extra juice to the phone when needed. This is a thoughtful addition that shows Xiaomi’s commitment to creating a truly comprehensive photography solution.

The kit still allows for all attachments and ND filters we saw in last year’s offerings, so thankfully, no major sacrifices have been made to see these improvements. I don’t know how many people will want to lug around a full filter set, along with the full kit and phone, but the fact that Xiaomi gives the option is fantastic. There are people who take smartphone photography seriously, and features like this are tailor-made for them. I will admit I fully enjoy getting everything set up around the office, but I have yet to take everything while travelling, although I am considering it in the coming months.

“The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Kit now includes a 1,500mAh battery built into the grip, which can provide some extra juice to the phone when needed.”

While the Camera Kit is impressive, it would be a total waste if the 14 Ultra’s camera couldn’t deliver the goods. However, as per my review details, the image quality is simply stunning. The large 1-inch sensor allows for incredible detail and low-light performance. The variable aperture lens is more than just a gimmick, allowing for greater control over depth of field and letting in more light when needed.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 14 Ultra and Camera Kit combo is its pure versatility for mobile photography. With four distinct focal lengths (ultra-wide, wide, 3x telephoto, and 5x telephoto), it’s equipped to handle any shooting situation. With the Camera Kit’s physical controls, it’s easy to quickly switch between lenses and adjust settings on the fly. This means you can capture the perfect shot or the best video easily and without fussing when the time comes.

Compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the 14 Ultra’s Camera Kit is a marked improvement in several key areas. The grip now connects via USB-C instead of Bluetooth, providing a faster and more stable connection. The inclusion of a dedicated video button is also a welcome addition, making it easier than ever to start recording at a moment’s notice.

In many ways, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Camera Kit, is the culmination of the smartphone photography revolution. It takes the best aspects of traditional cameras (physical controls, large sensors, interchangeable lenses) and combines them with the convenience and connectivity of a modern smartphone. The result is a device that truly blurs the lines between phone and camera. Even the design and the prominent Leica branding all work together to invoke the feeling of photography, and for good reason.

Photo Samples

When I first tested the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and its Camera Kit, I was blown away. This year’s offering takes it to the next level in the ways that matter most. It’s a device that doesn’t just take great photos but actively encourages creativity and experimentation. It’s a tool that empowers users to elevate their mobile photography.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Camera Kit, represents a paradigm shift in smartphone photography. I’m excited to see what it will do next. Its innovative design, powerful hardware, and thoughtful features come together to create a device that’s more than the sum of its parts. If you’re serious about mobile photography and want a tool that can keep up with your creativity, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Camera Kit combo is the device for you. It’s not just a great smartphone camera — it’s a great camera, period.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, June 27, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Eric Campbell Photography is pleased to announce the launch of a new professional headshot service specifically designed for female realtors in Fort Lauderdale. This service aims to enhance their personal brand and support their career growth in the competitive real estate market.

In today’s market, a professional headshot is a critical element in establishing trust with potential clients. Recognizing the unique needs of female realtors, Eric Campbell Photography provides headshots that convey confidence, professionalism, and approachability.

With extensive experience in real estate photography, Eric Campbell Photography understands industry standards and how to best represent realtors. The studio offers personalized consultation sessions to align headshots with each client’s vision and branding goals. Equipped with the latest technology, the studio ensures the highest quality images in a comfortable and empowering environment.

Eric Campbell, the owner, stated, “Our goal is to help female realtors make a lasting impression through professional headshots that truly reflect their personal brand.”

Eric Campbell Photography offers a range of packages to cater to different needs and budgets, from newcomers to those looking to update their existing headshots. For detailed pricing information and to schedule a consultation, visit the website at Eric Campbell Photography.

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Eric Campbell
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