Nicklaus Walter is a writer, photographer, and founder of Decaf Journal. You can find his photography portfolio here: www.nicklauswalter.com
photography
The quality of light that the Photek Softlighter Umbrella produces is excellent, and only beaten by substantially more expensive modifiers such as offerings from Elinchrom or Broncolor. The Softlighter will get you 90% of what they will offer at a fraction of the price.
photography
I can't recall a time when it hasn't delivered exceptional results for the type of photography that I do. Yet with all the advancements of the latest mirrorless technology, does it still makes sense to use such an outdated camera body?
style
These boots are plenty grippy while impeccably maintaining the silhouette of a dress boot. Thanks to the more formal outsole, they don't explicitly look like hiking boots which might just be the best part about them.
photography
I always appreciate lenses and film stocks that offer an opinion in the way they render the world, and Kodak Portra 800 has a strong point of view indeed.
photography
There's a fine line between shedding light on an issue and exploitation, but the intention is what matters. This may mean choosing to tell a story with several images instead of a single evocative frame, but audiences will appreciate a narrative with context and you'll gain their trust as a result.
photography
The beauty of Kodak Portra 160 however, is in its restraint. If you want your color work to stand the test of time, this is undoubtedly the color negative film stock to use.
photography
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM offers the best user experience of any Canon lens I've used to date which is the number one reason to own it. It prioritizes speed, sharpness, and performance in a sleek package that's easy to use without any fuss.
photography
Consumers today always strive for the latest and greatest, but the Canon EOS 5D classic can now be had at a dirt cheap price, making it a tremendous value. I purchased mine recently for just over $200 USD. You're getting a professional grade camera for a fraction of what it used to cost.
photography
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is clearly a no brainer. If you're travelling, bring a 35mm 1.4 along with this lens and you're set for the whole trip. If shooting in daylight, it's difficult to justify the f2.8 version which costs several hundred dollars more and is substantially heavier.
photography
The silver reflective umbrella is almost always overlooked by photographers, and when it is used it's usually only to light up a background. Most believe the beauty dish is superior but I respectfully disagree. No, the silver reflective umbrella when used appropriately is the ultimate beauty light.
photography
Decaf Journal is reader-supported. When you buy links through our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It's all about perspective they say. How you choose to see the world carries significant weight in life. Likewise, a considered point of view has the power to shape a story
wellness
It occurs to me now that the times in life that I've experienced the most growth and achievement were born out of necessity, a survival instinct to get out of the life I was dissatisfied with. Do you hate the situation that you currently find yourself in? I say lean into it.