Fotobug - Elusive Image Photography

Fotobug Episode 358 - Madagascar!

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Fotobug podcast with your hosts, Jim and Fred. In this episode, they discuss the changes in the frequency of their podcast releases and the shifting focus towards their YouTube channel to better cater to the interests of their listeners and viewers.

Moving onto news, they talk about the hot debate on AI image generators using copyrighted images under the guise of 'fair use' – a topic that raises concern in the photography community. They also discuss the ongoing Sony World Photography Awards of 2024 and the recent developments with a former podcast guest, Daniel Siddiqui, who has released a new immersive travel book series and is conducting a giveaway.  Go to www.schifferbooks.com and use code Jammin for a 10% discount!

For the main highlight of the episode, Jim reveals his travel footage from his 2022 trip to Madagascar with Oryx Photo Tours, led by Dale Morris. They take viewers along their journey through the capital of Madagascar, Antanarivo, and share their experiences with the unique culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife of the island, particularly focusing on lemurs, the iconic mammals of Madagascar.

The hosts reiterate their commitment to delivering exciting content that caters to the desires of their viewers, encouraging everyone to subscribe to their YouTube channel for more immersive experiences. Listen in to this episode of the Fotobug Podcast for inspiration and stay updated on latest photography news, reviews, interviews, and tips.

Fotobug Episode 357 - DIng Darling and Fort Myers

In this episode of "Peek Behind the Shutter: Exploring Photography Trends & News with the Fotobug", hosts Jim and Fred delve into the latest updates in the sphere of photography. They discuss a wide range of topics from Apple's new spatial computer, Sony's upcoming shutter angle setting, to proposed legislation regarding child influencers. They also unpack details about Canon's highly anticipated flagship camera, shedding light on why it has the photography community buzzing.

Join Jim and Fred on a memorable trip to Fort Myers. Relive their adventures as they recount the places of interest for photographers, from the crowded streets of Sanibel Island to the peaceful trails of Cypress Creek Preserve. Learn about the best times to observe wildlife and how to navigate increased traffic due to hurricane recovery efforts. They also discuss training pets to take selfies and the evolving trends in the world of photography.

Delving into some serious topics, this episode also discusses the legal implications of child influencers and the proposed digital curfews. Get insight into the ongoing corporate rivalry as Canon readies to release its latest flagship camera. Whether you are an avid photographer or someone with an interest in the latest industry trends, this episode will keep you informed and entertained.

Concluding with some fun places for wildlife sighting and owl-spotting, this episode encourages photographers to continue capturing unique images. 'The FotoBug' is a testament to the fact that for a photographer, any shutter time is always a great time.

Check out the Six Mile Cypress Slough  Friends group photo contest which ends every January 31st.  For entries go to  https://wwwsloughpreserve.org

Fotobug Episode 356 - Hover Air X1 Beyond the Selfie Mode

A couple episodes back we Jim and Fred reviewed the Hover Air X1 and labeled as a 'selfie drone'.  However, since Jim and Fred tend to discourage selfies they wondered if the Drone could be useful for an actual video for Vloggers or YouTubers.  Check out this podcast to see how to do just that!  The wireless microphones they are using is from Amazon - The PQRQP 2 Pack Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone or iPad - there is likely a version available for Android as well!  Amazon Microphone Link

Be sure to subscribe now to the Fotobug Youtube Channel! 

 

Fotobug Episode 355 - Meike Canon Lens Adapter review

Mirrorless cameras are thinner than DSLRs due to the removal of the mirror mechanism.  The thinner body means the existing DSLR lenses won't focus properly.  The camera companies have changed the mount to ensure that the older lenses won't work - that is without an adapter.  Canon currently charges $130 for their base adapter, but there are third party adapters which can save you some money and work fine as there are no optics, just a way to move the lens further from the sensor and couple them with the camera electronics!  Fred reviews one from Meike!

Fotobug Episdode 354 - Zhiyun M20C LED light Review

Zhiyun is coming out with very interesting LED lights which can be used for still photography as well as video.  One of their newest is the M20C which is an updated version of the M20.  Jim and Fred check out the new light and the combo pack which includes barn doors, a mounting cage, a honeycomb filter and a diffusion filter, all which attach via magnets! The light is available from several sources including Amazon.

Fotobug Episode 353 - Hover Air X1 Drone Review

The Zero Zero Robotics little Hover Air X1 drone has been getting a lot of attention so The Fotobug guys decided to give it a look and see if it lives up to the hype.  This little drone only weighs 125 grams and yet is full autonomous and can record video up to 2.7k at 30fps. 

If you would like to buy one of your own use the following link:

PURCHASE X1

Also, Jim tested out the Supertone Clear audio plugin to reduce or eliminate background noise (formerly known as Goyo).  You can obtain a trail version here:

CLEAR PLUGIN

Fotobug Episode 352 - Review - Veikk 1200 Graphics Tablet

The Veikk 1200 graphics tablet is only $159 and comes with 2 pens, 28 extra nibs and features an HD full sRGB color screen to draw on.  Just how good can it be?  Well, the Fotobug guys decided to find out and were pleasantly surprised!  This tablet's graphics are so good, it can be used as an extra laptop (even desktop) monitor.

Fotobug Episode 351 -Travel to Alberta Canada

Jim recently returned from two weeks in Alberta, Canada including Edmonton, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.  This podcast is a highlight view of the trip including a gallery of some of the images Jim took on the trip.

Fotobug Episode 350 - Highlights of 2023 Black Hills Photo Shootout

The thirteenth annual Black Hills Photo Shootout just finished this past September (2023).  Once again, Jim and Fred led workshops at this annual event. Jim's workshops included Wildlife of Custer Park, A River Runs Through It, Sunset at The Needles, and Cowboy/Cowgirl portraits after Dark.  Fred conducted a single workshop on macro and flowers at a Custer State Park Lake as he was flying out the next day to Oregon to visit his sister.

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel!  www.youtube.com/thefotobug

Fotobug Episode 349 - Guest Michael Sidofsky

Michael Sidofsky is a commercial and travel photographer from Toronto who has a very interesting style.  Jim and Fred sit down to discuss his passion for photography and how he creates his interesting images.  Michael is coming out with a book in October 2023 "Wonder around every Corner" which will be available in all the major book sellers.  In addition we encourage you to check out Michael's website at www.mindzeyephotography.com.