Remote camera operation devices

A few weeks back, I was looking for some apps to control my Nikon DSLR cameras from an Adroid tablet. I was a little disappointed in the lack of 3rd party apps. And the Nikon devices either weren't compatible with my particular camera models, or didn't do much more than release the shutter.

An Update on the Photo Jobs post

A while back, I posted about ideas of how to make money with photography.

As you know, I already market myself as a photo artist online, selling anything from from picture post cards of my own original photography to large canvas or metal prints of nature scenes from around the USA.

I also set up booths at flea markets and arts and crafts fairs.

I create portraits for large groups (which few photographers in any given area do), such as businesses and other organizations. I also will do family and individual portraits and sometimes an event.

Most events, like weddings or seasonal parties, are very high stress photo jobs. I prefer to let those photographers who are good at that type of imaging to have that business. It takes a special type of person to create those beautiful images under the circumstances they are often working under. 

Another business opportunity I take advantage of is small product photography for local businesses and artists. 

A lot of what I posted above can make some very nice money, but it does seem to come and go. "Feast or Famine" is how many self employed people describe it. So, I looked for some avenues of photographic work that might be more steady.

Which is how I found some steady paycheck photography work. I looked online in various forums and started submitting applications. Some applications required samples of work to show qualifications, some gave tests to see if my talent matched what they needed. I found a real estate company needing photography on a regular basis. I signed up with a company specializing in panoramas for businesses, and I found a company needing local grocery items with their nutritional information.

They are all part time, but they also generate a steady paycheck. If you already have the talent, know-how, and equipment, this is a nice way to make extra money in photography. 

Here is an end result of on of those jobs I picked up. It's the nutritional information company publishing a flyer for the local grocery store chain filled with my photos of the products:

What's important to remember is to look for the work. Be realistic with what you are able to do. Continue to improve and expand your skills. Photographic work isn't always artsy and super fun, but if it makes money and you can enjoy it, then that's a very good thing.

Looking for remote apps

I tried the DSLR Dashboard for my Nikon and couldn't make it work. Canon users have a nice option with DSLR Controller.

Any one find a good app for using an Android tablet to control their camera? Not a simple remote shutter release, but a synching of camera controls remotely.

E-mail me if know of one.

My impression of Sony A7 series

The Sony A7 and A7r have been well reported on on many photography sites. Full frame mirrorless high pixel count digital pro cameras. So, you already know how fantastic they are.

I'm going to give my impression of using them.

First off, if I'm going to upgrade and possibly change over a whole system, I would probably opt for the higher end of the two, the 36MP version. Doing so, however, can likely also mean a computer upgrade. At the very least, you'll need a lot more storage than you already have.

As for lenses, with the mirrorless body, Sony can make an adapter for almost any lens line they want. That is quite a feature. There are some amazing lenses out there on the used market. Getting to use many of those is a very nice benefit.

Size and shape of the camera threw me off a bit at first. It just looks funny, ya know? But, pick one up and use it! I was very surprised by how light weight the cameras are. Much light than the APC-C format DSLRs I'm currently using. The EVF (electronic view finder) was just like looking through a regular SLR. I could see no evidence of any time lag, video effects, or anything distracting. Control layout and menu choices were very easy to get used to.

I only got to use them for a little while, but I was really impressed. For the price of these, and the capabilities they have, I could easily see myself switching to this system. Read all the technical reviews, tho. There are some issues, tho to me they seem minor.

Pick one up and check it out. I think you'll be impressed, too.