Urban birdscaping during lockdown, an alternative compositional approach When I am not out covering motorsports, rugby and cricket, I enjoy wildlife and nature photography and have over the years built up an extensive database on South African birds, covering more than 360 species. As a birder I’ve spotted more than 500 species, but I only count those of which I have a presentable photograph. Every nature photographer will always advise you that the natural setting makes a wildlife photo more appealing, which is completely true. I aim for that as… read more →
Overview The Sigma 12-24mm Art is a full-frame compatible, constant f/4 aperture, autofocus lens. The build and finish quality matches that of all the Art lenses in the Sigma line up. At 1150g and 112mm in length the lens really is a big lens. It certainly makes up for this bulk in looks. With its Fixed lens hood and curved bulb-like front element. The one downside to this curved front element is that conventional/traditional screw in filters doesn’t fit. This also means the lens cap slides over the front of… read more →
As I bring up a new series of blog posts that are here and available for your reading pleasure, I have decided to not only tell you about the amazing Sigma brand, but to teach you about how to use your camera along with your Sigma lens to capture photographic content that you’ve always wanted to have. Now firstly before we get started, many frequently asked questions are all around the topic of the best camera gear to own and on and on. Answer is simple, the best camera is… read more →
I always try to shoot natural light – in order to do this use the lens to its full potential by having it wide open. For me this is usually at F1.4. I only usually adjust ISO and Shutter Speed and keep the aperture at F1.4 to give images a sharp, yet creamy look. Even though the subjects are moving in these two images, I still strictly keep to F1.4. I trust in my lenses and my Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art lens never lets me down. For the throwing up… read more →
I recently used a set of Sigma FF High Speed Prime Lenses on a recent project for Bridgestone South Africa and Silver Bullet Films. The branded film follows the truly inspiring story featuring Lawrence Brittain, a South African rower who defied all the odds to take Silver at the Olympic Games Rio in 2016 after beating Cancer two years before that. These lenses helped me capture some beautiful images paired with the Arri Alexa Mini. The full video can be found here: Sigma has come such a long way and… read more →
As a wildlife photographer it is often far too easy to get stuck in the notion that you have to be in the bush capturing the big five to create powerful images. When lockdown began, a sense of dread consumed me, and the reality of having to put my camera away for the foreseeable future was a sobering thought. The longer I spent peering out of the windows in my house, the more I realised the natural world has carried on unfazed. Picking up my camera again, I began to… read more →
Watches. Carpets. TV’s. Lenses. I’ve always loved collecting big things. There’s something wildy attractive about getting beautiful items in their oversized editions. It’s the first thing we notice about the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art lens which is the sheer size of it. It’s a beast. For the photographer, it feels like pure confidence holding it. It’s big, bold and brazen. The photo hasn’t even been taken yet, and the models are feeling like this shoot is about to get real. They may even feel slightly intimidated. I love it. We’re… read more →
Hello from Udo Kieslich, founder and owner of the College of Digital Photography in Johannesburg | www.codp.co.za. Below is a short snippet on how to go about photographing the Milky Way using Manual exposure mode, a Nikon D850 and a Sigma 14mm f1.8 Art lens. Shoot in RAW and use a Daylight White Balance setting. I hope it will inspire you to hunt the stars! To photograph the Milky Way, find a place with little light pollution on a moonless night and try the following settings: Manual Mode | f2.8… read more →
Macro photography is seen as 1:1 (life size) or bigger. Some would include 0.5:1 (half-life size) also as macro, but it is generally not accepted as such. Anything less than 1:1 must be viewed as close-up photography. No zoom lens I know of will provide true macro magnification used on its own irrespective of what is printed on the lens barrel. The difference between true macro and close-up photography is demonstrated by the dragonfly images, close-up on the complete insect, then full macro on the head only. He was just… read more →
In the beginning of most of our photographic journey’s we strive for the best light from over our shoulders that illuminates our subjects in late afternoon golden loveliness. Which it must be said is truly wonderful and makes great images of course. But…the moment I spun that first & last 10 minutes of glorious light on it’s head and had it over my subject shoulder, my photographic journey changed forever! What is not to love about deep rich reds and oranges dancing across a dusty scene creating moody and wonderful… read more →