Become Better Photographer: Lens Upgrade with David Bergman

*For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with David on Instagram and Twitter @DavidBergman. LATEST UPDATE: David opened up new IGTV episodes where you can ask him questions live! find out more at http://www.AskDavidBergman.com

Saved some money and ready for camera upgrade? It might be a good idea to start with the lens first. Good quality lens will outperform your standard kit lens tenfold, whereas DSLR camera bodies are usually on a very similar quality level and will not make much difference for the photograph itself. Today’s article with photographer David Bergman and AdoramaTV is about how to make a right lens purchase decision.

David shares: “My friends always ask me what camera they should buy, but that’s really not the best question to ask. Camera bodies are like little computers and they need to be upgraded eventually but as long as it’s still working, a new camera by itself won’t make you a better photographer. The thing you really want to upgrade first is your lens. So besides focal length, the other spec on a lens is the aperture. The lower that number, like f/4 or f/2.8, the more light that can come through the lens. This allows you to do a couple of things, first of all you can shoot in lower light situations. The other thing is you can throw your background way more out-of-focus, giving you that smooth professional look. “

“So that first DSLR you bought, it probably came with a kit lens. Most of those have what’s called a “variable aperture zoom” which means, the more you zoom in, the less light it lets in. The problem is, you can’t shoot in low light situations and the background is not going to go out of focus like you really want it to. One thing to do is, buy a zoom lens with a fixed aperture. Most companies make a 24-70mm that comes in both an f/4 and a f/2.8 version. Pros generally like the f/2.8 version because it lets in just a little bit more light. But keep in mind it’s bigger heavier and more expensive than the f/4.”

” You also should consider upgrading to a prime lens which doesn’t zoom at all… The main thing to remember is you can get a much wider aperture, sometimes as wide as f/1.2. This will give your background that smooth creamy look that you are after. At the end of the day, a quality lens is a good investment. Unlike a car that loses its value as soon as you drive it off the lot, a good high quality lens could last you a lifetime. If you can only afford to do one or the other, invest as much as you can in a lens and hold onto that body as long as you can until the muffler falls off.”

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

One of our closest workshops –

Learn how to Shoot on Manual Mode

will take place on September 28th, 4-7pm, in one of our Los Angeles studios !!!

Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV:

Desert Light Images Presents

Photographer Nick Myshkin known as Desert Light Images showed astonishing photographs shot in absolute darkness pierced by just a few strobes. Gorgeous nude photography that celebrates the beauty of a human body.

Members of the crew:

photographer: @dersert.light.images

The stage:

Stage B features all black walls and ceiling, with capabilities to completely shut off the natural window light. Equipped with black, gray, and white background paper, three strobe lights and numerous modifiers for your choice this stage is all you need for a perfect, intimate, creative environment. To check the availability for this stage as well as find more helpful information about our rental please see the WEBSITE.

Michelle Leclercq In Art Studio 1

Photographer Sol Recatume did an amazing job at capturing beauty of singer Michelle Leclercq, bathing in natural light. Adorned with a floral elements, photos turned out very smooth and lite.

A snippet of the model’s story:

“My name is Michelle Leclercq and I’m a singer and songwriter. We recently shot some pictures at FD using lots of flowers. As an artist who writes her own songs I identify myself with nature, that’s why we chose to use flowers. ”

Members of the crew:

photographer: Sol Recatume

model: Michelle Leclercq | IG @michelle.leclercq | www.michelleleclercq.com

About this location:

Stage Art 1, a long-time FD Photo Studio favorite, was used for this shoot. With the high-key white industrial design that FD is notorious for, Stage Art 1 is a clean setting that can be manipulated to fit all kinds of projects. This space has its windows facing South and West and gets beautiful direct light during the PM hours, and great open-shaded light in the morning. Take a look at Stage Art 1 HERE to see what equipment is included in the hourly rate, as well as its availability and pricing.

Lenox Knight and Megan Random Cosplay

The light hallway in Pro Stage II is a perfect place for a cosplay hero to capture some really cool shots. Accompanied by photographer Oliver (@DGNphotography), models Lenox Knight and Megan Random immersed us in the world of X-Men heroes.

About the shoot.

Megan Random and I team up to bring 2 of our favorite X-Men to life. I, Lenox Knight, cosplayed as Rogue and Megan Random cosplayed as Dark Phoenix.

Follow:

Instagram:
@LenoxKnightOfficial
@MeganRandom
@DGNphotography
@SkylarRayLima
@HeavenlyController

About the stage:

Pro Stage II has been adorned with a few additions. Firstly, now there is a huge American flag that covers a good portion of the wall and is already becoming a hallmark of the Pro stages. In addition to that, standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills are also included in the hourly rate. Make sure to catch the coolness of this space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.

Savage X Fenty inspired shoot by Jason Turner

Model Cassandra dressed in a beautiful racerback Push Up Bra, Floral Lace Catsuit, and Mesh Romper from Savagexfenty will steal your heart away. Shot in New York the “wood platform” studio 2.

Check out participants of the project:

photographer: Jason Turner

model: @cas_the_model

mua: Kay Alvarez

At the location:

NY Studio 2 known as “Wood Platform” studio is one of the busiest stages we currently offer. Equipped with everything you need for a perfect intimate, romantic or empowering style of photoshoot, this stage always leaves our clients excited and hungry for more time. Featuring a dark wood floor platform across the stage and a sexy purple boutique chair creates welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. A wall section with the brick veneer adds a flavor to this urban loft style. Among these unique features, the stage comes with great equipment – three strobe lights, three backdrops of white, grey and black color, sound system, makeup station and changing station. Have a look at New York Studio 2 on our website information, prices and availability.

Rockstar Shot Of Maribell

Sometimes just one shot is all it takes to project undeniable power energy, especially if it is amplified by the rock star power pose that model Maribell has conquered us with.

A snippet of model’s story:

“Hey I’m Maribell a aspiring model from New York. I’m 19 with a lot of creativity in my head. As a model I don’t like to just take pictures I like to create a image. A image that speaks for itself . A image that gives you a type of vibe . Yes I style myself , I do my own makeup , think of every idea from head to toe. I’m so glad finally there’s a place where I can get creative in New York! I saw studio 4 from one of my favorite photographers his name on Instagram is “MisterBo0se”. When I saw it I instantly created an image in my head . This image was exactly what I created in my head. I came up with the entire look in my head because of the way the studio looked! I couldn’t be more happy of the outcome from FD studio can’t wait to go back and create more images. ”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: @misterbo0se

model: @its.maribell

Retouch: @photo_karizza

At the location:

New York studio 4 also known as Blackout & RGB studio features colorful splashes of paint, LED light walls, and overall cool and dark theme environment. Designed for full control of lighting condition, this stage is perfect for strobe work, and great LED glow effects. Find out more about our new NY Studio 4’s pricing and availability by visiting our website!

Keana In Pink Wall Studio

Gorgeous lingerie shoot with model Keana and photographer Joey took place in our “victoria secret” like stage – Hill 5 studio. Irresistible beauty of the model will keep your attention in place.

Check out participants of the project:

photographer: @joeyspov

model: @3reesixxs

About this location:

Studio Hill 5 is one of the best option we have for creative crews on the budget. This Romantic White Stage has its windows facing South, which provides plenty of natural light for photographers. Among studio’s unique props are Gold Bellman Cart, White Decor Frames Wall, “Victoria Secret” like pink striped wall section and a pink upright piano. As with any our other stages a standard package of three basic backdrops and three lights is available within the stage already. For more information visit stage Hill 5 on our website.

Cesar Angelo And Sheila In Art 1

Another series of sexy shots of a model Sheila in our spacious and always sunny stage Art 1. Photographer Cesar Angelo showed his master-play working with natural light primarily.

Check out participants of the project:

photographer: SoCrisp_

model: sheilanstz

The stage:

Stage Art 1 was a choice of location for this session. Adorned with features like white grand piano and three step podium this stage is a tool of versatility, provider of great natural light, benchmark of industrial Downtown minimalistic design. This space has its windows facing South and West and gets beautiful direct light during the PM hours, and great open-shaded light in the morning. Using strobes? No worries, we include 3 strobe lights in the hourly rate along with black, white and grey background available. Take a look at Stage Art 1 HERE to see what equipment is included in the hourly rate, as well as its availability and pricing.

Rodney Ray For Driven Magazine

Rodney Ray’s session in studio C for DRIVEN is a perfect example of how e-comm photo shoots should be done! Clean, with nice pop photos, capturing gorgeous models in a cool outfit. What can be better?

Members of the crew:

photographer: Rodney Ray

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The stage:

Stage C was a choice of this creative collective for several reasons. Besides a tremendous space capacity perfect for both, large crews and small teams this stage provides a white CYC wall that is always freshly painted for each client. In addition to the prop count, a grass wall and a wood floor corned section installed for your creative exploration. With large South and East facing windows, this stage gets lots of natural light throughout the day. Find out more about stage C on our WEBSITE.