Academy

The difference between incident and reflective light meters

And why it's important to understand this.

Jul 1 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

Working techniques for dealing with film warp

Nothing more frustrating than having trouble scanning warped (or cupped/curled) film.

Jun 29 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

Photographers talk about photography. Wannabes talk about cameras.

A rant on the difference between talking about gear and talking about photography

May 20 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

The CineStill Df96 Black & White Monobath is simple to use

It's excellent chemistry, but it isn't as simple as the bottle suggests. Read this to learn more.

Apr 20 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

Video tutorial: How to un-delete photos from your SD card

Never know when you might need it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Mar 1 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

13:46

How I stopped taking random photos and found my visual identity

Film recipes got me started. Selling everything helped me find my eye.

Feb 18 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

STOP EXPOSURE GAMBLING and start training your eyeballs

I ignored what my camera told me to do, and film photography taught me why I was right. Bonus: this post includes a practical exercise to train your eye…

Jan 19 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

Why the Essential Film Holder is the best DSLR scanning gear

And remais the absolute best choice for a film holder in 2026 (and likely 2027, 28, 29...)

Jan 17 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

Know your rights about street photography

It's easier to navigate confrontations when you know your rights. Never physically engage.

Nov 22, 2025 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

You will want to get an orange filter for black and white photography

Why physical filters results in better graysale rendering when compared to software presets that do filter emulation.

Nov 16, 2025 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

Infrared photography: filters, full-spectrum cameras, conversions, and 12 years of experience with Michael Pacheco

Full-spectrum sensors finally explained, in this conversation, Michael shares decades of infrared knowledge and experimentation that results in…

Nov 14, 2025 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

1:10:32

Film soup tutorial: how Juno and I created monstera-like effects with beer on 35mm film

Photos by Juno, who shot 2x35mm rolls and handled to RafLabs for experimental beer development

Nov 3, 2025 • Raf Lopes (CameraClara)

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