Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
The official Podcast of Mike Kovaliv, where you'll find expert insights on photography, music, and thought-provoking discussions on the creative process.
With over 20 years of experience as a professional photographer, Mike shares his extensive knowledge on all aspects of the craft. This Podcast is your go-to resource for:
• Camera gear reviews (cameras, lenses, accessories)
• Photography techniques and tutorials
• Creativity and art in visual storytelling
• Photo editing and post-processing tips
• Building a photography business
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your photography journey, subscribe now to learn how to capture better images and develop your artistic vision. Join the community and get the knowledge you need to succeed in photography!
Episodes
13 episodes
Learning Photography - The Basics of Aperture
In this beginner-friendly photography tutorial, we dive deep into aperture — one of the most important and creative controls on your camera. Learn exactly how aperture works, what those f-numbers mean (f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, etc.), and ho...
Learning Photography - Setting Up Your First Camera
Ready to finally move beyond your phone and take full control of your photography? In this beginner camera setup tutorial, professional photographer Mike Kovaliv (20 years experience) walks you step-by-step through unboxing and setting up your ...
TTArtisan 56mm 1.8 APS-C | The ideal portrait lens? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Buy the lens here:https://ttartisan.store/?ref=MikeKovalivChoosing the right portrait lens for your APS-C mirrorless camera just got a lot easier — and more affordable. In this review, I test the TTArtisan 56mm f/1.8 Autofocus lens ...
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Review - A Great Value Mirrorless Camera? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Is the Nikon Z6 still worth buying in 2026? In this honest review, I share why this original full-frame mirrorless camera remains an excellent choice — especially as a second body or affordable entry into the Nikon Z system — even years after i...
YouTube vs Rumble - Starting a Photography Channel | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
In this honest update, I share my real 4-month experience running a new photography channel on both YouTube and Rumble simultaneously. YouTube has been amazing — closing in on 150,000 views and 2,500 subscribers — but Rumble has been a complete...
28mm Prime - The Best Street Photography Lens? Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Why the 28mm lens might be the perfect wide-angle for you — even if it didn't click at first.In this video, I share my personal evolution with the 28mm focal length. I started photography heavily focused on 50mm and 35mm primes (with 85...
NEEWER LT39 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Review | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Tired of lugging around a heavy, outdated tripod? 📸https://buymeacoffee.com/mikekovalivIs this the best value travel tripod for Mirrorless or DSLR cameras in 2026?In this video, I’m reviewing the NEEWER LT39 Carbon Fiber Tra...
Nikon 24-85mm Zoom - Budget Lens or Great Value? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Can you really pair a cheap $100 kit lens with a high-end Nikon DSLR and still get professional results? In this real-world test, I took the vintage Nikon Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR (an old kit lens from DSLRs 8-10 years ago) and used it on a...
Nikon D7200 - Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
The Nikon D7200 remains one of the best value crop sensor DSLRs in 2026, offering exceptional image quality, pro-level features, and full compatibility with Nikon's legendary F-mount lenses—all for $400–$500 used in Canada (or around $300–$500 ...
The 50mm Lens - The only lens you need? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
If you could only have one lens for your camera, what would it be? For professional photographer Mike Kovaliv, it's the legendary 50mm prime lens – the ultimate "nifty fifty" that's been his go-to for years.https://buymeacoffee.com/mike...
Full Frame vs APS-C - Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Crop Sensor vs Full Frame Camera: Which is Better in 2025? (Honest Comparison)Wondering whether to choose a crop sensor (APS-C) or full frame camera for your photography? This long-time photographer breaks down the real pros and cons of bot...
Nikon D750 - Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Why I Still Shoot with the Nikon D750 in 2025 – The Perfect Full-Frame DSLR🎥 DSLR vs Mirrorless in 2025After years of shooting mirrorless (Nikon, Cannon, Sony, Fuji X & GFX), I switched back to DSLRs… and the Nikon D750 is the c...
Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
🎥 DSLR vs Mirrorless in 2025: Why This 20-Year Pro Photographer Ditched Mirrorless & Went Back to DSLR CamerasAfter shooting professionally for nearly 20 years — starting on film and DSLRs, trying EVERY major mirrorless system (Sony, Ca...