Hi!
Welcome to another Digital Photography School newsletter, where I share the latest bi-weekly challenge, critique your photos, and offer helpful tips and resources to improve your photos.
This past week, I’ve been thinking a lot about creative block in photography: why it exists, but more importantly, how to overcome it. I’m experiencing some creative block of my own, and I’m guessing that I’m not the only
member of this community that runs into the problem at some point in time - so I thought I’d share several of dPS’s best resources for finding that creative spark once more.
(I’ve also been exploring the work of one of my favorite photographers, Alec Soth; I don’t think I’ve mentioned his photography before, so if you haven’t heard of him, feel free to check out his website! And if you’re looking for a more specific book recommendation, Soth’s first book, Sleeping By the Mississippi, is a modern classic; it’s a quasi-documentary photobook that takes you on a poetic journey along the Mississippi River and includes portraits, landscapes, interiors, and more.)
In the wider camera world, we’ve also had a huge camera announcement, which I touch on below - and while I don’t include any critiques in this week’s message (sorry!), I plan to include a couple in next week’s newsletter, so keep an eye out for that!
Without further ado, let’s get started:
From Sime:
In previous photo challenges, we've captured various subjects focusing on specific themes or techniques. However, this week, we're blending everything together: technique, random objects, framing, backgrounds, and more. Introducing #dPSProductPhotography!
Your task is to select an object from around your home (or, if you're in a café like me, perhaps a jar of pickles!) and photograph it as if you were preparing to sell it.
Remember to tag your post with #dpsweeklychallenge and #dPSProductPhotography on our weekly challenge page or on social
media! You can also share your images in the dPS Facebook group as the challenge is posted there each week as well.
Canon announces the EOS EOS R1 and the EOS R5
After literally years of rumors and anticipation Canon has officially announced not one, but two new mirrorless cameras: The EOS R1 and the EOS R5 Mark II.
The EOS R1 is the company’s first true flagship mirrorless camera - at least by Canon’s own account, though the Canon EOS R3, which
Canon launched back in 2021, is arguably deserving of that position.
While flagship camera launches generate a lot of hype, the cameras themselves are largely ignored by all but a small group of professional sports, action, and wildlife photographers, as well as serious photojournalists.
(If you’re a lover of flagship cameras and you’re not included in the latter
groups, I would genuinely love to hear from you - shoot me a reply to this email and let me know why you’re interested in a camera like the EOS R1 and how you might use it!)
Anyway, this limited interest isn’t just due to the cost (the EOS R1 will set you back $6,299.00) but also the features; the EOS R1, for instance, is far larger and heavier than Canon’s other mirrorless cameras thanks in part to the built-in vertical grip, while
the state-of-the-art weather sealing and blazing-fast 40 FPS maximum shooting speeds are overkill for most shooters. And if you’re the type of photographer who wants beautiful files filled with detail, the EOS R1 only offers 24 MP of resolution - though I’ll be the first to acknowledge that its high-ISO capabilities are likely out of this world.
Bottom line: If you have to ask yourself whether the Canon EOS R1 is right
for you, it probably isn’t! (You can preorder the Canon EOS R1, or learn more about its features, right here.)
On the other hand, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a much more interesting camera, at least from the perspective of most professionals and hobbyists. The original EOS R5 was (and still is) a massive success; its combination of excellent autofocusing/speed, great image quality, solid-but-compact design, and 8K video makes it one of the best all-around camera models you can buy today. Plus, its launch cemented Canon’s place as a top full-frame mirrorless camera producer after an underwhelming start.
So what does the EOS R5 Mark
II offer that its predecessor can’t match? Here are the most important features:
- The EOS R5 Mark II includes a redesigned 45 MP sensor, which should improve upon the (already great) image quality of the original EOS R5.
- The new camera’s shooting speeds have jumped from 20 FPS to 30 FPS when using the electronic shutter. There’s also now a pre-continuous shooting option, so you can capture action before pressing the
shutter button.
- The R5 Mark II includes Canon’s new Dual Pixel Intelligent AF, which is a “more advanced and powerful AF system…[with] new subject tracking technologies.” The EOS R5 Mark II also includes an improved version of Canon’s Eye Control AF feature. First introduced in the EOS R3, this lets you focus based on eye movement; in other words, the camera tracks your eye as it skims across the viewfinder and sets your focus point accordingly.
- The R5 Mark II also boasts several
upgraded video capabilities, including 8K/60P; you can also record 8K video without interruption for a whopping 120 minutes.
If you’re a Canon photographer and you’re looking for a great new all-around camera, the EOS R5 is still an excellent choice - but the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is even harder to pass up, assuming you have the
budget.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II won’t be available until late August, but for more information about its specifications, or to preorder a copy, head over to B&H.
How to overcome creative block as a photographer
If you’re struggling to motivate yourself, we have some articles to help! Here are
just a few of dPS’s best pieces - written by our expert authors - on overcoming creative block as a photographer:
- 11 Ways to Overcome Creative Blocks as a Photographer
- 12 Creative Photography Project Ideas to Get You Motivated
- 8 Tips to Stay Motivated and Inspired by Your Photography
- How To Be Inspired Every Day
- 9 Reasons Why Photography Matters
Enjoy, and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Talk to you next Saturday,
Jaymes Dempsey (and the dPS team)