Ron Leach

Thanks to rapid and ongoing advances in digital imaging technology, our industry is so abuzz with exciting new photographic products—both hardware and software—that it’s difficult for photographers to keep up with the latest-and-greatest gear and without worrying that their photographic arsenal is about to become obsolete. In real terms, though, much of this technical innovation is incremental in nature; better low-light capability, faster processing, higher resolution, enhanced video capability and the like.

Every five years the experts at Canon hold an event to share their vision of future imaging technologies and present some of the cutting-edge innovations they have in the works. These events tend to be inspirational and aspirational for everyone interested in the art and craft of photography, and this month’s Canon Expo was no exception.

Governmental regulations are a hot topic in the news these days, but rarely do they have an impact on the tools we use for photography. Recently, however, we discussed the growing nuisance—or possibly danger—to people or property caused by the ubiquitous “selfie stick.” A growing number of museums and other public venues have taken action— not only on inexpensive selfie sticks, but tripods, full-size monopods, and even umbrellas.

At 15,781 ft. above sea level Europe’s Mont Blanc doesn’t compare to the world’s tallest mountains, and it’s not one of the most difficult climbs. But thanks to an ambitious project led by Italian photographer Filippo Blengini, the peak does have the distinction of being the subject of the world’s largest photograph. Blengini and his international team managed the feat by shooting 70,000 images over a two-week period late last year to create the breathtaking, 365-gigapixel panorama of the mountain.