Peter Forsgård

photographer

  • Photography: It’s Not Just About the Camera

    Photography: It’s Not Just About the Camera

    Have you noticed that many photography YouTube channels talk more about cameras and less about how to take good photos? Let’s talk about why this happens.

    Photography Is About More Than Cameras.

    Taking photos is not just about having a good camera. It’s about telling stories, showing feelings, keeping memories, and capturing moments. To take great photos, you need to learn how to tell stories with your pictures, set up your shots, and create different feelings in your photos. No camera can replace these skills. To improve in photography, focus on learning these skills, not just getting new cameras.


    Why We Still Need to Learn About Cameras.

    Of course, we need cameras to take photos. Learning about different cameras and how to use them is important. This helps us know what cameras and how other photographers use them. Also, learning about camera settings is helpful because modern cameras have many options. It’s good to know how other photographers set up their cameras for different kinds of photos. Videos about other tools for photography are helpful, too.

    While looking for a new camera, I watched many videos about cameras. They helped me a lot. Learning about new cameras is important when you want to buy one.

    The Problem of Thinking More Gear Means Better Photos.

    Many photographers think buying new gear will make them better. This is not often true. Usually, you need to improve your skills first. When someone sees a nice photo, they frequently think, “That person must have a good camera.” However, the photographer’s skill usually makes the photo good, not just the camera.

    Sadly, many photographers spend money on new gear but don’t get better at taking photos. They end up frustrated and keep spending more money.’


    Why YouTube Channels Focus on Gear.

    The simple reason why many YouTube channels talk about cameras more than photography skills is that those videos get more views. People like watching videos about cameras. On my channel, videos about cameras get watched more than videos about how to take good photos. There’s nothing wrong with making videos about cameras. They are useful. But remember, buying a new camera won’t automatically make you a better photographer.


    Becoming a Better Photographer

    To improve at photography, think more about skills and less about cameras. When you see a photo, think about what skills the photographer used to take it. Think about what they were thinking and feeling. This will help you become a better photographer.

    So, remember, it’s not just about the camera. It’s about the skills.

    I have a video about the same topic. Watch that to learn more about the topic.


  • Samyang 12mm F2.0 X Review: A Versatile Wide-Angle Prime for Fuji X-Mount

    Samyang 12mm F2.0 X Review: A Versatile Wide-Angle Prime for Fuji X-Mount

    I recently had the opportunity to test the Samyang 12mm F2.0 X lens, a promising wide-angle prime for Fuji X-mount cameras. This review is based on my hands-on experience with the lens, specifically using the Fuji X-S20 with a 26MP X-Trans sensor.

    Disclaimer

    Focus Nordic provided the lens for testing purposes. My opinions are entirely based on my experience with the lens, and I have not been influenced in any way. However, I do have affiliate links to Amazon and B&H.

    Testing Environment

    My primary focus was to evaluate the lens in urban settings, ideal for its focal length. I photographed various cityscapes and murals, including the recently completed Käärijä mural, to test its capabilities in real-world scenarios.

    Design and Build

    The Samyang 12mm F2.0 X impresses with its premium look and compact size. Despite being an F2.0 lens, it’s surprisingly small and feels great. The surface finish adds to its appeal and comes with a protective pouch, ensuring safety during transportation.

    Usability

    As a Fuji user accustomed to lenses with an aperture ring, I found its absence on the Samyang 12mm F2.0 X disappointing. The manual focus ring is robust and easy to use, although it lacks hard stops. One note of caution: the manual focusing generates a noticeable sound, which is potentially problematic in video scenarios with on-camera microphones. However, its AF compatibility ensures that EXIF data includes lens information.

    Autofocus Performance

    While autofocus speed isn’t a critical factor for this lens, it performs adequately given its typical use in static scenes like landscapes or cityscapes. Its depth of field is sufficient for street photography, especially when using the hyperfocal method.

    Image Quality

    The lens exhibits some barrel distortion, which the default Lightroom Classic profile doesn’t entirely correct. Manual adjustments are needed for optimal results. Similarly, DxO PhotoLab7 requires manual tweaking for distortion correction. Defringing is present but manageable. The best image quality is achieved when stopping down to F4-F5.6. Images can be found in my video about the lens. The link is at the end of this post.

    Value for Money

    Priced at around 374€, the Samyang 12mm F2.0 X is an affordable alternative to Fuji’s 14mm f2.8 lens, nearly twice the price at 899€. It’s a solid budget choice for fast, wide-angle prime lenses.

    Links to Amazon and B&H.


  • The Ultimate Photo Organizing Tool: Excire Search 2022:

    The Ultimate Photo Organizing Tool: Excire Search 2022:

    Struggling to sift through your vast photo archives? Excire Search 2022 is here to help. And guess what? They have an irresistible Cyber Week deal!

    Organize Like a Pro with Excire Search 2022

    We all know the drill: keeping organized and managing your photo archives is crucial. I have developed five top tips using Excire Search 2022 to simplify your photography life.

    Disclaimer

    A quick heads up: Excire generously provided me with Excire Search 2022 for testing purposes. I’ve been exploring its features since March 2022. Rest assured, my views are entirely my own; Excire had no input in this content. However, I do have affiliate links for their Cyber Week promo in the description.

    Excire Search vs. Excire Foto

    While Excire offers a plug-in version (Excire Search) and a standalone app (Excire Foto), this post focuses on Excire Search. Check out my latest video for the lowdown on Excire Foto.

    The Magic of Excire for My YouTube Ventures

    Excire has been a game-changer in sourcing images for my YouTube content. The search options are diverse, though I won’t delve into those here – catch the end screen of this video for more details.

    Integration with Lightroom

    One of the standout features? Excire Search’s seamless integration with Lightroom. Typically, keywords are stored in the Excire database after initialization. But here’s the kicker: you can transfer these to the Lightroom catalog, enhancing your search efficiency in Lightroom.

    Color-Based Image Searches

    Need to find images with specific color themes? Excire Search has you covered. Select color squares in the search window, and voilà! The software scours for images matching your chosen palette.

    Discover Similar Tones with a Reference Image

    Excire isn’t just about content; it’s also about matching colors. Selecting a reference color helps you find images with similar tones – perfect for achieving a specific aesthetic.

    URL-Based Searches

    Add a twist to your searches by using an external image URL. The results are impressively accurate, especially when you customize the search order.

    A Word on Search Quality

    Let’s address the elephant in the room: no AI is flawless. While Excire Search may have its limitations, its efficiency and speed in finding the right images are commendable.

    Organize with Collections and Sets

    After searching, Excire sorts results into collections. I’ve tweaked these by renaming them, focusing on the search criteria rather than the date. You can create as many collections as you like, though they’re not Smart Collections that update automatically. That said, you can always create these manually.

    The Cyber Week Steal in 2023

    The list price of Excire Search 2022 is usually €119, but it’s been slashed to just €59 for Cyber Week. A steal, right? Grab the deal using this link.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, I’m very happy with Excire Search 2022. It has helped me a lot. I have at least over 300.000 images in my Lightroom catalog. Finding the images I need without Excire Search 2022 would be impossible.