Here you can find my recommendations for the best tools you can use to create fine art black and white photography and architecture photography and the best gear and photography deals and discounts you can find for these tools. I consider these tools the best and I use them in my photography, from capturing the RAW file till creating the final fine art image. They helped me win tens of awards in international photography competitions and acquire worldwide recognition. They can help you too. Use the codes listed with each product to get it discounted by clicking on the link in each product image and providing the discount code at checkout.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT – FORMATT-HITECH ND FILTERS & EQUIPMENT – 10% OFF – CODE: JULIA10
ANY Formatt-Hitech product – filters, holders etc. discount 10% OFF – CODE “JULIA10”
These are the neutral density ND filters and accessories I am working with to create my long exposure photography and you can see the great results in my many award-winning images. Formatt-Hitech was the first to create truly neutral ND filters back in 2014 , the Firecrest line, the first to create an "anti light-leak" holder, and they keep innovating with the new Firecrest ULTRA ND filters.. This is why I work with this brand. It gives me the best results. Get 10% OFF discount for any Format-Hitech product - ND filters, ND grads, polarizing filters, holders, accessories from the link above with code "JULIA10"
SOFTWARE DEALS
(FOR GEAR SCROLL DOWN)
FREE DxO FINE ART PRESET SERIES “DARK CITY”
by Julia Anna Gospodarou
free dxo filmpack presets “dark city” by julia anna gospodarou
This is the new FREE extended 2017 version of the original fine art DxO Preset Series Dark City, created by Julia Anna Gospodarou. Μany fine art photographers have used these presets and they created outstanding fine art photography with them. I am using them myself extensively in my work. Get them FREE from the link above.
TOPAZ LABS PLUGINS – 15% OFF
Topaz Labs Plugins Discount 15% OFF – Single plugins or the complete collection
The most extensive collection of plugins on the market, that can cover any photography style, working on both Photoshop and Lightroom, on PC and Mac. I use many of the Topaz plugins in my workflow and they help me speed up my work in many ways. Get them as single plugins or the complete collection with 15% OFF from the link above with code "juliaannagospodarou"
Topaz BW effects discount 15% off
My go-to B&W converter for a long time now. Very flexible and customizable while intuitive and fast. The best way to get started with B&W photography or to kick-start your advanced B&W workflow. One of the must-have tools for any B&W photographer. Get it 15% OFF from the link above with code "juliaannagospodarou"
Topaz DeNoise Discount 15% OFF
The best denoiser I have worked with so far. It removes the noise from high ISO or underexposed images while preserving the sharpness, even with difficult noise. I am using Topaz DeNoise in each and every image I create and nothing beats it. It has saved me so many times. Get it 15% OFF from the link above with code "juliaannagospodarou"
Topaz Detail Discount 15% OFF
A very important plugin for architecture and landscape photography, or any image. Sharpness is one the first things you notice and it can make or break a photograph. With Topaz Detail I can reveal perfect sharpness. No need to use complex tools in Photoshop whern you can do it with a click in Topaz. Get it 15% OFF from the link above with code "juliaannagospodarou"
TOPAZ STUDIO PRO ADJUSTMENT – 50% OFF
Topaz studio pro pack discount 50% Off
Fast and eficient RAW editor with Topaz Labs’ powerful acclaimed technology. Standalone editor, plugin within Lightroom and Photoshop, or host application for your other Topaz plugins. Denoising, precision contrast, color masks, luminosity masks, layers, curves, compositing tools and more. Download Topaz Studio FREE and get the PRO ADJUSTMENTS PACK discounted 50% OFF from the link above.
SKYLUM/MACPHUN LUMINAR 2018 & AURORA HDR 2018 – 10% OFF
NEW! Luminar 2018 discount 10% OFF – CODE JULIAG
Luminar 2018 works on Mac and Windows and offers everything a modern photographer needs for photo editing, including new filters powered by artificial intelligence, major speed improvements, a dedicated RAW develop module and a forthcoming in 2018 digital asset management platform. Get it 10% OFF from the link above with code JULIAG
NEW! Aurora HDR 2018 discount 10% OFF – CODE JULIAG
Aurora HDR 2018 is the most advanced and complete high dynamic range photo editor for Mac and PC. If you work with HDR for your architecture images, real estate photography or any other kind of images, Aurora HDR is a must. Get it 10% OFF from the link above with code JULIAG
Any Skylum Macphun product discount 10% OFF – CODE JULIAG
Award-winning software, Skylum Macphun takes the complexity out of photo editing and makes it simple and fast for anyone. Millions of photographers of all skill levels use Luminar and Aurora HDR to effortlessly make beautiful images, and so can you. The software works on both Mac and PC. Get any of the Skylum Macphun products 10% OFF from the link above with code JULIAG
Skylum Macphun Luminar 2018 discount 10% OFF – CODE JULIAG
Luminar 2018 offers everything a modern photographer needs for photo editing, including new filters powered by artificial intelligence, major speed improvements, a dedicated RAW develop module and a forthcoming in 2018; digital asset management platform. Get it 10% OFF from the link above with code JULIAG
Skylum Macphun Aurora HDR 2018 discount 10% OFF – CODE JULIAG
Aurora HDR 2018 is the most advanced and complete high dynamic range photo editor for Mac and PC. If you work with HDR for your architecture images, real estate photography or any other kind of images, Aurora HDR is a must. Get it 10% OFF from the link above with code JULIAG
ON1 PHOTO RAW 2018 DEALS
NEW! On1 photo raw 2018 – Best deals
ON1 Photo RAW 2018 includes the essential tools and features photographers needs in their workflow With a super fast, non-destructive processing engine, it gives you an ultra smooth and efficient editing experience. A tool with fast photo management, for both browsing and cataloging photos in a fast way, hundreds of customizable photo effects, fast and beautiful HDR, panos, masking and selection tools, layers, and much more in one app. Get the best deal to order or upgrade the NEWLY LAUNCHED ON1 Photo RAW 2018 from the link above.
DxO SOFTWARE DEALS
dxo software – photo lab, filmpack 5, viewpoint 3
Some of the best software around. DxO ViewPoint is my favorite tool for correcting geometric aberrations in architecture or landscape photograph, as well as in any genre. DxO PhotoLab is a top-notch RAW editor and FilmPack brings the flavor of shooting classic film to modern photography. A must-have. Get the best DxO software offers from the link above.
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD DEALS
Adobe creative cloud photography plan – photoshop cc, lightroom cc, lightroom classic cc
A must for every photographer who wants to take their photography to the next level. Photoshop and Lightroom are the ultimate tools for fine art black and white photography, for architecture photography and for any photographer who aims to attain quality and craftsmanship in their work. I am working with these tools every day and without Photoshop my images would not look the way they do. Get the Photography bundle from Adobe with $9.99/month from the link above and start creating your art.
SMUGMUG WEBSITES AND PRO PHOTO SELLING TOOLS
Smugmug photography websites for beginners, enthusiasts and pros
My own photography website is created with SmugMug. Time to step up your photography game and create your own. SmugMug has the perfect tools for this, either you are just starting up with photography, you are a photography enthusiast or a pro photographer, who needs to sell his photos as quality prints or digital files. SmugMug is integrated with top printing facilities and advanced but simple selling tools. Try it free or choose the plan that fits you from the link above.
MY GEAR & RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST EQUIPMENT FOR SHOOTING LONG EXPOSURE
FORMATT-HITECH ND FILTERS & EQUIPMENT – 10% OFF – CODE: JULIA10
ANY Formatt-Hitech product – filters, holders etc. discount 10% OFF – CODE “JULIA10”
These are the neutral density ND filters and accessories I am working with to create my long exposure photography and you can see the great results in my many award-winning images. Formatt-Hitech was the first to create truly neutral ND filters back in 2014 , the Firecrest line, the first to create an "anti light-leak" holder, and they keep innovating with the new Firecrest ULTRA ND filters.. This is why I work with this brand. It gives me the best results. Get 10% OFF discount for any Format-Hitech product - ND filters, ND grads, polarizing filters, holders, accessories from the link above with code "JULIA10"
Formatt-hitech Firecrest 100mm Holder Kit – Anti light-leak with integrated polarizer
Formatt-hitech Firecrest 100mm Holder Kit highlights: Revolutionary new top and bottom covers to almost completely eliminate light leakage when shooting long exposure, with interchangeable end caps for use with 100x100 filters or 100x125/150mm graduated filters. Integrated top of the range Firecrest 82mm multicoated polariser. A geared mechanism allows for easy rotation whilst installed. The polariser can also be removed. Built in low-profile gasket. Step rings come with the system as standard for all sizes from 67-82mm, and step rings for smaller lenses can be purchased separately. Award-winning photograph decorating the box - signature of yours truly Julia Anna Gospodarou. Get the Firecrest holder kit with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
Long exposure kit Joel Tjintjelaar Signature Edtion – 10, 13, 16-stop nd filters
This Long Exposure Kit includes 10, 13 and 16 stop Firecrest ND filters. 10 stops is a good general purpose long exposure filter for landscape. 13 stops is ideal for 2-3 minute exposures on seascapes, where the meeting of land and sea causes clouds to move more quickly across the frame than usual. 16 stops is the standard bearer of long exposure technique ... a single filter capable of 5-8 minute exposures. I am using these filters, as well as the 3 and 6-stop ND filters for my long exposure images and they cover all the situations I have been faces with. Get this long exposure kit with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
Long exposure kit Joel Tjintjelaar Signature Edtion – 10, 6, 3-stop nd filters
This Long Exposure Kit includes 3, 6, and 10 stop Firecrest ND filters. This combination is extremely versatile, allowing the shooter to use 3, 6, 9, and 10 stops of ND, plus the 13 and 16 stops for long exposure shots of 5 minutes and longer. This kit is offered in two versions, SuperSlim circular Firecrest filters and 100mm Firecrest ND with holder & adapter rings or in 165mm Firecrest ND with Lucroit holder and adapter ring. I am using these filters, as well as the 13 and 16-stop ND filters for my long exposure images and they cover all the situations I have been faces with. Get this long exposure kit with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
Format-hitech firecrest ultra nd filetrs
Firecrest Ultra are the latest and greatest ND filters from Formatt-Hitech. Firecrest Ultra filters are the first bonded, then lapped and polished filters available in the photographic market. They have a lower reflectivity than earlier filters and a clarity and sharpness, even at longer focal lengths, unprecedented in photo filters, whilst still delivering the neutrality that made Firecrest so popular. Get the Firecrest Ultra in a kit or individually with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
Formatt-hitech Firecrest ND Grad Filters
If you are shooting landscapes and seascapes, or shooting at sunset against the sun, the ND grad filters are a most. You can use soft, hard or reverse grads in different intensities. Get any Formatt-Hitech ND grad with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
Formatt-hitech Firecrest circular polarizer Filter – regular and super-slim
The polarizer is my best friend after the ND filter. I'm almost always using it when I shoot handheld in sunny weather, to intensify color and remove haze, orin any conditions to remove reflections. Get the Firecrest CPL circular polarizers, regular or super-slim with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
Formatt-hitech 165mm Lucroit Pro Holder Kit with Adaptor Ring and visors
Specially designed for large-barrel wide- angle lenses such as the Canon TS-E 17mm or the Nikon 14- 24 that otherwise lack a filter solution. Comes with tabs for attached French Flag and barn door style visors (included in holder + adaptor kits) for controlling reflections and lens flare, eliminating vignetting with these extreme wide angle lenses. Designed to take 165mm standard filters with grads in 165x200. Also available with adapters for standard 72-82mm lenses, it now comprises a total high end system for the pro user. Get the Lucroit Pro Holder kit with 10% discount with code "JULIA10" from the link above.
ADORAMA GEAR DEALS
Latest gear deals from Adorama
Get the latest best deals from Adorama for camera gear, software, audio, video. Updated frequanly with the most interesting discounted items and the latestt releases in the world of photography.
CAMERA KITS
ADVANCED PRO KIT
FUJIFILM GFX 50S MEDIUM FORMAT SYSTEM
Fujifilm GFX 50S medium format mirrorless camera
This is my main camera that I use for my fine art and high-end client work. The most affordable mediul format mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm GFX 50S delivers the world's best image quality. It combines outstanding resolution of 51.4 megapixels with exceptional tones, advanced color reproduction and high-performance lenses. With a 43.8x32.9mm CMOS medium format sensor, and an effective resolution of 51.4 million pixels, it is the best tool for making large format prints, capturing majestic architecture, landscape or portraiture images. et the Fujifilm GFX with the best market price from Adorama at the link above.
To learn everything about this amazing camera, you can read here a complete review I made, the most extensive GFX review to date, of the Fujifilm FX 50S – Complete Review Fujifilm GFX 50S.
An alternative to Fujifilm GFX 50S is the Hasselblad XD1-50c Medium Format Mirrorless camera. Another great camera, even if more expensive than the GFX.
A less expensive option, even not a mirrorless, but a DSLR camera, is the Pentax 654Z medium format camera.
If you’re ready to go even higher than 50 mp, to 100mp medium format cameras, there is the Hasselblad H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR Camera if you’re ready to spend more than 32k for the body alone.
And if you won the lottery or just sold your house and don’t know where to spend the money fast, you can try the Phase One XF 100MP Camera system for almost 50k (this time you’ll get the Schneider Kreuznach 80mm LS lens together with the body).
FUJINON GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR Zoom lens (21-51mm in 35mm format equivalent)
My main lens for the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera giving me wonderful results. A standard zoom lens with a 32-64mm focal range (21-51mm in 35mm format equivalent) specifically designed for the new G Mount and 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor. The lens delivers superior image quality thanks to the lens construction of 14 elements in 11 groups (including 3 aspherical lenses, 1 ED lens and 1 Super ED lens). Get the best deal for this lens from the link above.
FUJINON GF23mmF4 R LM WR super Wide angle Lens (18mm in 35mm format equivalent)
This is my main wide-angle lens for architecture and landscape, and one of the best of the new G mount line. With a focal length of 23mm (18mm in 35mm format equivalent), this super wide-angle lens is optimal for shooting landscapes and architectural photography. With a 12 groups and 15 elements construction using two aspherical lenses, one super ED lens, and three ED lenses, this lens suppress distortion despite being a super wide-angle lens with a 99.9° angle of view. Get the best deal for this lens from the link above.
For more focal lengths, you can also find these lenses for the Fujifilm GFX system.
- FUJINON GF45mmF2.8 R WR (equivalent to 36mm in the 35mm format)
- FUJINON GF63mmF2.8 R WR (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm format)
- FUJINON GF110mmF2 R LM WR (equivalent to 87mm in the 35mm format)
- FUJINON GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro (equivalent to 95mm in the 35mm format)
PRO KIT
CANON 5D MKIV FULL-FRAME SYSTEM
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame DSLR
My second camera is a Canon 5D MKIII, but if you're thinking about investing in a full-frame DSLR at this moment I would recommend the Canon 5D MKIV since it is a newer model with quite a few improvements and a higher resolution. I love my 5D MKIII and the 5D MKIV is even better. The Canon 5D MKIII may be les expensive though and more budget friendly if you want to save some money. The 5D MKIV has a full-frame CMOS 30.4 megapixel sensor and it shoots 4K video. It has all the features you can find in a modern full-frame camera and it shoots up to 7.0 fps. Get the best offers for the MKIV at the link above.
A very good alternative for the Canon 5D MKIV, and a great camera all-around is the new Nikon D850 that had great reviews so far and has a similar lens range and accessories.
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Lens
My favorite and most used tilt-shift lens. Exceptional lens for architecture and landscape photography, together with the 17mm tilt-shift. With a tilt-shift lens I can correct verticals and extend the depth of field even when shooting at wide apertures. I am using this lens every time I can shoot architecture with this focal lens. It covers more cases than the 17mm TS and it gives a less extreme wide angle lens feel, which makes it very versatile. It has an enhanced range of movement of up to +/- 8.5°, and easily operated tilt and shift knobs. The good thing is that I can use all my Canon lenses on the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera with an adapter. Get the best offers for the 24mm TS lens from the link above.
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Lens
My second tilt-shift lens that helps me tremendously when i shoot in narrow spaces or need to cover a wider angle of view. Exceptional lens for architecture and landscape photography, together with the 24mm tilt-shift. With a tilt-shift lens I can correct verticals and extend the depth of field even when shooting at wide apertures. I am using this lens every time I can shoot large or very tall architectural objects, see skyscrapers, or need to get all the scene in landscape photography. It extends the possibilities I have with the 24mm TS and it is indispensable for shooting in "vertical" cities like New York and for a pro photographer. The lens has a tilt & shift knob with an enhanced range of movement of up to +/- 6.5°. The good thing is that I can use all my Canon lenses on the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera with an adapter. Get the best offers for the 17mm TS lens from the link above.
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens
This lens covers very well the wide angle range between the field of view of my 17mm and 24mm tilt-shift lenses, and whatever is wider than what the 24-105mm lens can shoot, which makes it a very versatile wide angle zoom lens and this is why I love it. The good thing is that I can use all my Canon lenses on the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera with an adapter. Get the best offers for the 17-40mm lens at the link above.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens
An even better alternative for the Canon EF 17-40mm (yet more expensive) is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS USM. While they cover pretty much the same field of view, the 16-35 mm is an overall sharper lens, with less cromatic aberration and geometric deformations on the edges. You will pay some more for it but if quality is paramount for you, it will be worth it. The even better alterative is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM - with wider aperture for better results in lower light and even better image quality. Of course the price will be higher, but as far as gear is concerned, my advice is to buy the best you can afford, right from the start.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM zoom lens
My go-to all-around lens, with great image quality and extremely versatile for quick shooting and for the most widely used focal lengths. It stays on my camera at all time when I travel and I replace it with another lens only when I need a specific look, like in the case of the tilt-shift lenses, or a different focal length The good thing is that I can use all my Canon lenses on the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera with an adapter. Get the best offers for the 24-105mm lens at the link above.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Excellent for shooting details or close-ups, panoramas, distant cityscapes, also portraits with shallow depth of field at f/2.8, the lens give great image quality and beautiful bokeh. It has a great image stabilizer that really helps when shooting handheld zoomed in at 200mm. The good thing is that I can use all my Canon lenses on the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera with an adapter. Get the best offers for the 70-200mm lens at the link above.
ENTHUSIAST KIT
NIKON D7500 DX-FORMAT (CROP FRAME) SYSTEM
Nikon D7500 DX-format Digital SLR Camera
I used to work with the Nikon D7000 and still do sometimes, and it is a great camera for its purpose. The D7500 is the newest model and it has many improvements. If you are an enthusiast photographer and need a relatively accessible DSLR solution the Nikon D7500 is a great choice I can recommend. Being a crop frame camera you can use it to get even longer focal lengths from your lenses, very useful for shooting at longer distances than with a full frame camera with the same lens. Get the best offers for this camera at the link above.
An alternative for the Nikon D7500 is the Canon 80D that has a similar lens range and accessories.
Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens
One of the best quality aide angle zoom lenses for DX cameras. I've shot a lot of architecture and landscape with this lens. Get the best offers for it from the link above.
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S NIKKOR Lens
Excellent quality lens. I love shooting with it portraits and street photography. It has beautiful soft bokeh and great colors. Get the best offers for it from the link above.
Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC PZD Lens
Very good all-around lens covering an impressive focal length range. Great for shooting fast at different distances and with different composition approaches. Very useful when traveling. I used to have it on my camera all the time while shooting on the move. Get the best offers for it from the link above.
Nikon 18-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX NIKKOR VR Lens
A better and newer alternative for the Tamron 18-270mm id the Nikon 18-300mm f3.5-5.6G. I warmly recommend this lens for overall photography or for traveling, when you need to work fast and cover different fields of view without needing to switch lenses too often. This can be the difference between getting the shot and losing it forever. The best thing is that the quality of this lens is very high, despite the large zoom range it covers.
DxO ONE CAMERA FOR iPHONE
COMPACT PRO SOLUTION – SOON COMING TO ANDROID
dxo one camera for iphone. 1″ Sensor 20.2 MP RAW/JPEG f/1.8 32mm
DxO ONE camera for iPhone. Soon for Android too. 1" Sensor 20.2 MP RAW/JPEG f/1.8 32mm. The DxO ONE adapts to your needs and offers a wide range of creative tools, such as artistic blur (bokeh) and timelapse. Whether you want to do underwater photography or broadcast your videos live, don’t limit yourself!
MY TRIPODS – PRO, ADVANCED & TRAVEL SOLUTIONS
MY BAGS/BACKPACKS & ACCESSORIES
STUDY RESOURCES – FINE ART BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY, ARCHITECTURE, LONG EXPOSURE
Because gear alone is not enough and software is as useful as the use you make of it, you can find tutorials on fine art black and white photography, (en)Visionography, long exposure photography and architectural photography in my extensive collection of photography tutorials that will show you how to take the images shot with this great gear to the state of a finished fine art imege that can create emotion. To receive my future tutorials directly via email you can subscribe to my website.
More about how to create fine art photography, from vision till processing and the final image you can read in my book From Basics to Fine Art – Black and White Photography, with co-author Joel Tjintjelaar, and in my video tutorial Long Exposure, Architecture, Fine Art Photography – Creating (en)Visionography a hands-on tutorial accompanied by an eBook presenting my processing workflow, or attend one of my workshops.
If interested in studying with Julia Anna Gospodarou personally, see:
GROUP WORKSHOPS
PRIVATE WORKSHOPS AND MENTORING
Julia Anna Gospodarou
is an internationally acclaimed photographer, author and educator, teaching workshops and lecturing around the world. Founder of (en)Visionography™ and Photography Drawing™, co-author of the best-selling book From Basics to Fine Art, with high distinctions in the most important photography competitions worldwide, published internationally in numerous books and magazines, Julia is passionate about art and striving to spread it into the world.