This Lightroom hangout is all about making your color images look their best. Wes Maggio will join us to share his favorite tips along with Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim. Lightroom has several ways to adjust color, and we're going to show you all of them--even the secret tools which are hidden in plain sight. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/nw8hnn3G_RM?t=2m4s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Enhancing Color in Lightroom with Wes Maggio
Levi Sim
Levi Sim is passionate about making photographs and helping others make their pictures better, too. Join him on Twitter and Instagram (@PhotoLevi), read more of his articles here, and join him at Out of Chicago.
Latest posts by Levi Sim (see all)
- Want Natural-Looking Light? Use Gels. - September 25, 2016
- Personalizing Powerful Plugins with Serge Ramelli - September 24, 2016
- Four Tips for Starbursts - September 18, 2016
Instant Replay: Lightroom Mobile with Adobe’s Sharad Mangalick
We're so excited about this one: we've got Sharad Mangalick, Adobe's Lightroom Product Manager, joining us again to help us dive into Lightroom Mobile. If you're like us, you're using the Creative Cloud photographer bundle, and it includes Lr Mobile free of charge, and it's helping many photographers produce better results faster. We can't wait to get down to business with Lightroom Mobile. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/Y6e61t69GmU?t=4m23s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom Mobile with Adobe’s Sharad Mangalick
How to Use On-Camera Flash for Events
Using a flash at an indoor event is a probably the simplest way to make pictures of small groups look their best. At weddings, parties, and fundraisers, friends and families are together for a short time and they are surprisingly willing to be in a photograph. It's best to use a speedlight, not your camera's pop-up flash, but the speedlight alone will probably give you faces that are too bright, backgrounds that are too dark, and light that is too harsh. There are lots of camera settings listed below, but if you'll do the following it'll make … [Read more...] about How to Use On-Camera Flash for Events
Instant Replay: Lightroom’s Book Module with Scott Kelby
Lightroom's Book Module is a powerful tool, and there's nobody better to help us unleash its secrets than Scott Kelby. If you're like Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim, you're familiar with www.ScottKelby.com where we've been dazzled by Scott's photo book layouts for years. Besides his photo books, he's also the world's number one best selling author (here're some of Scott's bookss). His comprehensive style has revolutionized the way we learn technical skills like photography and photoshop. Levi's shelves are overflowing with Kelby titles, and you're … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom’s Book Module with Scott Kelby
Lightroom Hangout: Backups & Updates with Mark Fuccio
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Thursday, June 30th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Backups & Updates with Mark Fuccio
Professional Retouching: Principles & Practices with Kristina Sherk
Portraits are not only the most important pictures you make, but they can also be the most profitable. As such, portraits deserve your best effort at a perfect finish, and this webinar will help you learn the principles and best methods for helping people look their best in pictures. Kristina Sherk (www.sharkpixel.com) joins us this month from Washington, D.C. She's a photographer and retoucher with years of experience retouching, and almost as many years teaching. This is your chance to tune in Live with Kristina and learn the techniques she … [Read more...] about Professional Retouching: Principles & Practices with Kristina Sherk
Professional Retouching: Principles & Practices with Kristina Sherk
Portraits are not only the most important pictures you make, but they can also be the most profitable. As such, portraits deserve your best effort at a perfect finish, and this webinar will help you learn the principles and best methods for helping people look their best in pictures. Kristina Sherk (www.sharkpixel.com) joins us this month from Washington, D.C. She's a photographer and retoucher with years of experience retouching, and almost as many years teaching. This is your chance to tune in Live with Kristina and learn the techniques … [Read more...] about Professional Retouching: Principles & Practices with Kristina Sherk
Lightroom Hangout: Backups & Updates with Mark Fuccio
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Thursday, June 30th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Backups & Updates with Mark Fuccio
Instant Replay: Lightroom and Mobile Workflow with Brian Matiash
Every other word you hear about anything seems to be "mobile", and Photography is no different. We've got Lightroom Mobile as well as all kinds of other apps. But where's it going? What do we do with it now? How does mobile really fit with our workflows? This episode features Brian Matiash to help us sort it all out and get into a mobile workflow groove. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/pjzZljQJFZI?t=6m52s https://youtu.be/IsmIa1KXTPk?t=5m12s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom and Mobile Workflow with Brian Matiash
Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
It is a tragedy to not make a picture because you don't want to deal with post production. Yet, many photographers have exactly this feeling--that photography has become a burden. Here's an idea to help make using two or more cameras less burdensome. Why Two Cameras? Just the other day I had a shoot that would take a full 9 hours, but I wasn’t sure that was enough time, so I was seeking ways to save time and maximize my efficiency. One thing I know about myself is that if I have to change a lens to make a wide angle picture or a telephoto, … [Read more...] about Using 2 Cameras? Make It Easy: Sync the Time
Lightroom Update: It’s A Big One!
Adobe has released updates for Lightroom. Versions 6.6 and 2015.6 are now available. Open Lightroom, go to the Help Menu at the top, and choose "Updates..." to initiate your download. If you're using Creative Cloud, you should do this, too, which will force your Creative Cloud app to make the updates available. What's New for 6.6 and 2015.6? I'm excited because this update makes RAW files from Lumix's brand new GX85 (aka GX80 and GX7mk2) readable by Lightroom. There are a few other cameras now supported, as well, and tons of new lenses added … [Read more...] about Lightroom Update: It’s A Big One!
Instant Replay: Lightroom Q&A
In this episode, Rob and Levi answer questions about Lightroom. Topics include backing up and restoring files, catalogs, and presets, as well as using DNG's, and more. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/FiZnGAZHeaE?t=3m47s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom Q&A
Photographer David Gilkey Killed on Assignment in Afghanistan
Photojournalist David Gilkey and his translator (also a photographer), Zabihullah Tamanna, were killed Sunday, June 5, 2016 in Afghanistan. He was on assignment for National Public Radio (NPR), a major news network in the United States. Here are some relevant links: David Gilkey Bio on NPR NPR's initial article on Gilkey's death From what I've seen of his work, it was remarkable. Gilkey has garnered many of photojournalism's most prestigious awards over the years. Gilkey is not the first journalist killed in war recently, and we owe a … [Read more...] about Photographer David Gilkey Killed on Assignment in Afghanistan
How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
My first digital camera was a Nikon D90, and, as with the other 23 changeable lens cameras I've owned since, it was intended for autofocus. You're just supposed to put the focus point where you want to focus and let the lens and the camera do the work. This usually works well, unless it's too dark or your lens is manual focus only. I used to be scared of soft focus when using manual focus lenses, and I was jealous of the marvelous options in manual focus lenses, like terrific wide angles from Rokinon/Samyang that are both sharp and … [Read more...] about How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
I hike every week with my family, and I travel by air and shoot in other cities every month. You and I both know that using a tripod unlocks picture opportunities that just can't be made without one. I can use it for super long exposures to blur the sea and clouds, or reduce traffic to trails of light down the road, and make waterfalls that pour smoothly into eternity. However, carrying a tripod can be wearisome. Just thinking about carrying it on a seven-mile hike makes my shoulders and legs hurt. I know I need a tripod, and I know my … [Read more...] about Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
Instant Replay: Making Great Black and White Photos in Lightroom
Black and white photographs can be very impactful, but there's so much more to making great black and whites than simply removing the color. In this episode, Adobe's Bryan O'Neil Hughes is back to help us demonstrate all the great tools Lightroom has for helping us make the most of our monochromes. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/IsmIa1KXTPk?t=5m12s https://youtu.be/yuOLQva1iZs … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Making Great Black and White Photos in Lightroom
Instant Replay: The Future of Photoshop and Must Know Techniques
Bryan O'Neil Hughes and Howard Pinsky join Melissa Niu and Rich Harrington to discuss the state and future of Photoshop. Bryan, the Senior Product Manager for Photoshop at Adobe, helps us understand how the Photoshop team works, and Rich and Howard demonstrate must know techniques, all hosted by Melissa Niu. Photoshop techniques discussed include: Content Aware Fill tools, Video, Camera RAW as a Smart Filter, and Adaptive Wide Angle Lens correction. https://youtu.be/jjUYF4xLb_g … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: The Future of Photoshop and Must Know Techniques
Truly Professional Wedding Photography Workflow with William Innes
Weddings are the grandest event most people will personally host in their lifetime, and a photographer's job is to make sure it is remembered vividly. William Innes joins us this month to show us how to professionally handle these momentous events. William is a master of his craft, a Lumix Luminary, and exactly the kind of person you'd want to have at the most important event of your life. We're excited to have him with us, and you're going to learn loads from a real pro. William Innes, is the principal photographer of William Innes … [Read more...] about Truly Professional Wedding Photography Workflow with William Innes
Sort Faster and Find Your Best Pictures
Many of us end up photographing events each year. There are weddings, little league games, family reunions, birthdays, quinceañeras, anniversaries, corporate events, and the list goes on. Whether you're hired to shoot or photographing your own family, I've got a simple tip to help you sort through your photos faster and find the gems more efficiently. I took 912 pictures at a corporate event the other day, but I knew my client needed fewer than 100 pictures. When you shoot a corporate event, it's important that you deliver only the best … [Read more...] about Sort Faster and Find Your Best Pictures
Instant Replay: Getting Started with Perfectly Clear (with Rich Harrington)
Join us for a free webinar to learn more about the Perfectly Clear Plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom. This amazing tool offers one-click corrections to perfection to bring out the best in your photos. This webinar will walk you through all of the essentials from working with presets, to customizing adjustments, to batch-processing your own photos. If you're looking to save time, then don't miss this session. You'll learn why 30 million prints a day are processed with Perfectly Clear and how you can take your photos to perfection in no … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Getting Started with Perfectly Clear (with Rich Harrington)
Instant Replay: Getting Organized in Lightroom
This webinar will introduce you to many of the features of the Library Module in Lightroom, as well as some of the great features the pros use to stay organized. Best of all, we help you conquer the panic you may feel when you see the 'question mark of death.' https://youtu.be/rDEIsMXVANU … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Getting Organized in Lightroom
Is ON1’s Photo RAW Good Enough to Switch?
It takes a powerful incentive to make people want to change their habits--especially photographers. We invest a lot of time, money, and effort to learn to use a tool, so when something new comes along it has to be significantly better for us to reinvest in mastering it. Well, ON1's new Photo RAW may be good enough to entice me to cut the cord with Lightroom. I visited ON1's offices to get a clearer picture of what's happening with their new Photo RAW. First of all, Photo RAW will replace ON1 Photo 10; there won't be ON1 Photo 11, there'll just … [Read more...] about Is ON1’s Photo RAW Good Enough to Switch?
Understanding Flash Sync Speed (It’s Simple)
I'm wholeheartedly opposed to being only a "Natural Light" photographer. I can't imagine being limited to only working with the light available on hand. I have so much fun using strobes (which are the same as flashes) to light my work and help me create in any situation. However, there are some challenges to working with strobes, and the biggest one you need to understand is flash sync speed. If your sync speed is wrong, you'll end up with a picture like you see above, or even a completely black exposure, which is so frustrating. Read on and … [Read more...] about Understanding Flash Sync Speed (It’s Simple)
Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Did you miss Matthew Jordan Smith revealing the secrets to running a successful photography business? Then watch below and Matthew will show you the techniques he's learned as one of the most prolific celebrity shooters in the world. Rich Harrington hosts this free webinar, and he and Matthew will help you learn everything from working with clients to mastering lighting to retouching for immediate turnaround. https://youtu.be/T4Xp5BDSYK4?t=53s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
This new Twist 60 lens from Lensbaby has my full attention right now. There are always new lenses boasting extreme sharpness or wide apertures or super telephoto, but Lensbaby steps aside from the sharper-faster-longer race and makes tools that actually help me be more creative. In short, it's a marvelous hunk of metal and glass, it's affordably priced, and I think you'll love it too. Keep reading for the reasons why. Petzval for the 21st Century Petzval was a scientist in the 1800's who created a new lens design, and it made big … [Read more...] about Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
Find Great Light on the Porch
We love to use natural light, and even when I have to shoot in the studio, I’m usually trying to mimic natural light. While not all natural light is great light, one simple quality to search for is light falling from the side. In the studio, I put my softbox the side, maybe slightly higher than my subject’s eyes. When I’m outdoors, I can find this kind of light anywhere there’s a porch. What Is a Porch? A porch is just a roof with at least one wall, and at least one side open. I made the portraits in this post on the porch on the front of … [Read more...] about Find Great Light on the Porch
Instant Replay: Panoramas and HDR with Ron Pepper
Join Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim with their special guest Ron Pepper, a photographer who makes a living shooting panoramic and HDR photographs. Pepper puts these special photographic techniques to incredible uses, and he's a wiz. We'll show you what scenes make a great panorama or HDR, how to keep it organized, how to put it together and finish it off, all launching from Lightroom. Be sure to check out these excellent videos by Howard Pinsky for tips on using the new features built into Lightroom for making Panoramas and making HDR's, … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Panoramas and HDR with Ron Pepper
Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday 5/16 at 6:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Central, 4:00 pm Mountain, and 3:00 am Pacific. 7:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Crafting … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday 5/16 at 6:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Central, 4:00 pm Mountain, and 3:00 am Pacific. 7:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Crafting … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
Simplest Way to Get a Great Background Anywhere
Anytime there is good light, I try to make a portrait. It keeps me sharp, and it’s fun. I often approach strangers when there’s good light and say, “Hi, I’m practicing my photography, and there’s some great light right here, would you help me make a portrait?” I’ve met hundreds of wonderful people this way, and made some fun pictures, too. Great light with a great subject makes it easy to make a great picture. But getting a great background can make all the difference in the world. Let me show you how to get a good background almost anywhere … [Read more...] about Simplest Way to Get a Great Background Anywhere
