How To

Adam Jacobs | Manfrotto Filter Videos and E-Book /  by Adam Jacobs

I've spent a lot of the past year working on a project with Manfrotto to create educational material to coincide with the launch of their new filter products and Xume system. This materials are focused on helping one better understand how to use filters to improve your photography. This has culminated in the launch of a landing page on Manfrotto.com containing videos, an e-book and shorter pamphlets. These are all designed to teach you how to better understand how using different filters can help create better images.

In both the videos and book, I cover the three main filter types (UV, Circular Polarizers and Neutral Density) and explore what each one does, their advantages and in what situations each comes in useful. Below are the three videos.

Also, click here to download the entire e-book for free. Enjoy! 

Click on the image above to view the landing page that I have created with Manfrotto which has a bunch of great material on learning to better use lens filters to improve your photography. 

Click on the image above to view the landing page that I have created with Manfrotto which has a bunch of great material on learning to better use lens filters to improve your photography. 

Using Manfrotto's Xume System /  by Adam Jacobs

I've had a lot of fun the last few months experimenting with Manfrotto's new lens filter suite which works with the Xume system. Essentially, the system means that you can attach filters to your lenses much faster and more efficiently using magnets rather than having to waste time screwing them on, risking breakages or damaging equipment as with conventional systems. Take a look at this video I made below: 

Here's an article I also wrote explaining a little bit more in depth on the system and how it can be used practically in the field to help you take better photos and not miss that perfect shot...just click on the photo below! 

 

 

 

Photographing Venice at Midnight /  by Adam Jacobs

During a recent trip to visit the HQ of Manfrotto in Bassono Del Grappo in Italy, I was fortunate enough to have an evening free to explore Venice. Giorgio, who looks after all of Manfrotto's ambassadors globally, kindly agreed to be my guide for the evening and it was fantastic to have a local show me around the winding streets and canals of this historic, beautiful and unique city.

We braved temperatures of about -3C and spent around four hours traversing the streets and discovering the beauty of Venice by night under a clear, starry sky. The cold worked to our advantage as the city was deserted adding to its mystery and charm - Giorgio explained the history of this unique place and showed me some beautiful hidden gems that you would never find as a tourist. I still can't quite believe Venice has managed to remain so unique with it only being accessible by boat, having no road names, and maintaining a charm that is unrivaled in no other place I've been to. The advantage of photographing Venice at night is that you do not have to deal with the hoards of tourists and it is so easy to get lost amongst the winding canals, bridges and streets as you discover hidden gem after gem to shoot. Below are just a couple of my favourite photos from our walk. 

P.s. If you're going to shoot Venice at night a sturdy and light tripod is essential. Firstly, there is not much ambient light so you are going to want to use long shutter speeds and secondly you are going to have to a lot of walking...I'd carry as light weight a tripod as you can and think about how much gear you want to take before heading out...your legs, shoulders and back will thank you later! 

Floating Gondolas in Venice, Adam Jacobs Photography 
Adam Jacobs Photography Venice Grand Canal Landscape Picture Italy Travel 2
Adam Jacobs Photography Venice Landscape Picture Italy Travel 3
Adam Jacobs Photography Venice Canal Night Long Exposure Landscape Picture Italy Travel
Adam Jacobs Photography Venice St Marks Square Landscape Picture Italy Travel
Adam Jacobs Photography Venice Canal Landscape Picture Italy Travel

 

 

 

 

Best Places To Photograph Paris /  by Adam Jacobs

Recently, I visited Paris on a short trip to capture some of the cities most iconic landmarks. The city is steeped in history, culture and romance and lends itself fantastically to taking fantastic photographs. Since returning a lot of photographers and friends have asked me about the best places to shoot in the city. In all honesty, there are so many diverse things to shoot from the eclectic winding streets of the Merais district to the exposed modernist architecture of the Pompidou that making a definitive list is almost impossible. However, below are a few of my favourite spots to photograph in the city: 

1. Arc De Triomphe

One of Paris' most iconic landmarks situated at the end of the world famous Champs-Elysee this military monument lends itself brilliantly to being shot at dusk. Once the arch is illuminated, a long exposure will allow you to  juxtapose the warm light of the stone with the energy of traffic whizzing around the Place Charles De Gaulle. 


2. Notre Dame

This gothic cathedral is not only stunning from the outside replete with gargoyles and stained glass windows but also absolutely beautiful inside. You may also want to shoot it from the River Seine to get some nice reflections of the towers and turrets in the water.

3. The Eiffel Tower

Ok, granted this is an obvious one but, no trip to Paris is complete without some shots of one of the most famous landmarks in the world. There are many spots in the city to shoot the tower from; whether from right underneath it with a wide angle (first shot) or from one of the many rooftops where the public can access for free. I highly recommend the Printemps department store which, has the added bonus of a cute cafe for an amazing 360 degree panoramic view of Paris.  

4. Montmartre/Sacre Couer

Despite being a little out of the city, it is well worth making the trip to Montmartre for more than just  the climb to the Basilica of Sacre Couer which does though offer stunning vistas from the highest point in the city. The church itself when bathed in sunshine shines a brilliant white and looks great in photos and there is a bustling street market with hundreds of artisans and painters, enough to keep the most avid street photographer occupied for hours. 

5. The Louvre

As well as being home to the world's most famous painting the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a fascinating structure to photograph where modern and classical collide. The accompanying Tuileries Garden is also a fun place to shoot charismatic Parisians scuttling between the busy Place De La Concorde and museum district. 

6. Montparnasse Tower. 

I always love viewing cities from above and a journey up the Montparnasse Tower is a must. It has a very well designed viewing area, you can take tripods and there is plenty of time/space to photograph the entirety of Paris below. I would recommend going up just before sunset to watch the lights come on in the City. I also think it has the best view of the Eifflel Tower anywhere in the city. If you want your postcard picture, this is the place.