I am one of those photographers that has been slow to cross over to a larger, more accommodating external storage system. I did figure out long ago the value of not keeping the bulk of my work on my desktop or laptop. I started out with a simple rugged 250GB external drive that I would swap between my two stations. That quickly filled up and led to the purchase of some 500GB drives and eventually a 1TB drive. I bought as I could afford or at least I hadn’t yet decided to really invest in a better system. I started to read about drive … [Read more...] about Consolidating and Organizing with the Drobo 5D
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Simple shooting strategy for High Dynamic Range
I've been saying it for so long that it's time to write about it! What I'm referring to is my often-given advice for capturing bracketed images. Many people say that we should choose the 'correct' exposure, then capture overexposed & underexposed images. However I recommend to forget the notion of the middle image being the 'correct' exposure. Rather, the 'correct' exposure is a series of images -- and those images capture the full dynamic range of the scene. We can do that by measuring and choosing all of the exposures … [Read more...] about Simple shooting strategy for High Dynamic Range
Photography Activities for Kids — Point of View
Exploring photography with your kids? This is my second in a series of posts offering ideas you can use to help your young photographer get comfortable with fundamental concepts. Last time we walked through the very basics of photographic composition: reduce and simplify. With just those two words in mind, you and your child will both be taking better pictures. Today’s activity expands the concept of composition a bit further. The goal is to play with the idea that there’s more than one way to see an object. Equipment Keep it … [Read more...] about Photography Activities for Kids — Point of View
Photography Activities for Kids — Composition 101
EDITOR'S NOTE: We would like to welcome Scott Lawrence to our team of talented writers. I have vivid memories of my dad sharing his love of photography with me. The weight of this strange object in my hand the first time he brought out his old SLR is something I’ll never forget. It’s impossible to shake the smell of the chemicals when we set up a darkroom in a guest bathroom. Unfortunately, the bathroom was sorely lacking in ventilation. All great memories, if not flawless plans. Photography is amazingly complex. You can spend a lifetime … [Read more...] about Photography Activities for Kids — Composition 101
More to a Silhouette than Exposure
There are a few key elements that create a successful silhouette. I'll say it loud and proud. It is MORE than exposure. Yes, you meter for the sky, yes, that brings the blacks black, but there is so much more to it than that. I used to say, angle, separation, and exposure. But it is even more than that. You can nail the angle, shooting from down low, you can nail the exposure, and you can even get the separation, but if you aren't telling a story, or conveying an emotion, you're not getting it. There needs to be a story. There needs to … [Read more...] about More to a Silhouette than Exposure
Experiment in Photoshop for Nine Seconds
I’m a huge believer in the power of experimenting in Photoshop to help discover what’s possible. One of the comments I hear a lot is “I’m too busy to experiment”. Believe me, I understand about deadlines and getting your work done, so here’s my idea: experiment for nine seconds. Generally, I think we're creatures of habit: we do things a certain way in Photoshop because that's the way we were shown at some point, or perhaps figured out for ourselves. So here's where the nine second idea comes in. If you always use the Gaussian Blur Filter, … [Read more...] about Experiment in Photoshop for Nine Seconds
Start documenting daily life as inspiration
I know many photographers (pros and amateurs alike) who need a special occasion like a vacation, a wedding or a sports event to take their camera out in their free time. When I ask them "why only for big occasions?", I often get the reply that every day life is not interesting enough… This is where photography meets psychology. It is in our nature to not be aware of our daily routine as it appears that it’ll always be there and that it is not important enough for us. The funny thing is that i.e. in 10 or 20 years time those few ordinary … [Read more...] about Start documenting daily life as inspiration
3 Tips for Great Pet Photography
After a long week at WPPI in Las Vegas, I joined fellow Photofocus author Mykii Liu, David Crewe and my new friend, Hair and Makeup artist, Dinah Raphaelle, for Korean Barbecue. I was exhausted from the week, plus we had just finished a 4-hour shoot. I wanted to go back to the hotel and rest; but they insisted I join them. I sat down to a full table of Mykii’s friends. We made our introductions and began to eat. During small talk, I found out the man sitting next to me, Darcy Evans, was a pet photographer. I have to admit, I found it odd a pet … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for Great Pet Photography
Getting Taped Up
Here's a great tip I got from watching some grips quickly change gels on some frames. In the past, when you removed an old gel or diffusion material you always had the mess of the sticky material. Either the 2-sided tape, or the foam stuff from 3M double stick, which ever material was used it was a challenge. I was observing some grips used the following technique and it was fast. This is a standard 18"x24" frame. The first thing you want to do is apply Blue Painters Tape around the entire frame. Here you can see I'm using 1" … [Read more...] about Getting Taped Up
Synchronizing folders in Lightroom
As much as I try to keep my workflow minimal and simplistic, sometimes there are other pieces of software that I'd like to use that don't seamlessly integrate with Lightroom. When you use a third party program to edit a picture outside of Lightroom's knowledge (i.e. when Lightroom is closed), Lightroom doesn't have a chance to update the changes to the photo. Maybe you created an edit, maybe you created a couple different versions, maybe you even deleted them or moved them. Synchronizing folders helps you use Lightroom to track all those … [Read more...] about Synchronizing folders in Lightroom
Write Speeds – Memory Cards Are Not Created Equal
Most consumers don't know that there are differences between memory cards besides the obvious capacities and different formats that are available. There are several identifiers to know to help you choose the right memory card for the type of shooting that you do and that can be crucial since not all cards are created equally. Before going out and buying new cards on sale... 1. Consider this What type of photography do you do? If you're an action and sports photographer or even a videographer, having a memory card with a fast minimum write speed … [Read more...] about Write Speeds – Memory Cards Are Not Created Equal
Increase Mouse Accuracy in OSX
If you've ever switched from a PC to a Mac, there's no doubt that you've realized that moving the mouse just isn't the same-- like something doesn't feel right. I really noticed it when I was younger and played video games that needed precision, and maybe you have experienced it too. That sensation is called mouse acceleration-- basically the faster you move the mouse the less distance your hand has to travel to get from point A on the screen to point B and the slower you move, the more distance you have to move the mouse to get from point A … [Read more...] about Increase Mouse Accuracy in OSX
Cucoloris for Shadowed Texture
So often someone will take the time to light the talent to look great but forget to light the background and give the image some depth: One method is to use a Cucoloris. Some will refer to it a s a cookie cutter:The Cucoloris will create a shadowed texture onto your background depending on the distance the light source is from the Cucoloris. The general rule with light is that the closer the light the softer the light, the larger the light the softer the light. Allow me to show you this theory in practical application:As you can see in the … [Read more...] about Cucoloris for Shadowed Texture
Four Tips to Standard Portrait Headshot Posing
When it comes to posing and composing your subject for a standard portrait headshot, getting the look you want requires trying various poses depending on their personality and the reason for the headshot. Here's a few tips I use as part of every headshot session I shoot. 1.One super pet peeve of mine is missing body parts. I personally dislike headshots in which your subject is missing an ear. They have two ears, your doing a "HEAD" shot, make sure you have angled their head so you can see both ears in the shot. 2. Its much more appealing … [Read more...] about Four Tips to Standard Portrait Headshot Posing
Lightroom Shortcuts for Faster Culling
As you develop your Lightroom workflow there are few things that will make you more efficient than incorporating more keyboard shortcuts. I wanted to share a few of my favorite tips for speeding up the process of separating the wheat from the chaff. Clear the Screen The first part of the tip is about maximizing your screen real estate to focus on just your photos and not the Lightroom interface, so to really clear the decks press the Shift+Tab key to collapse both side panels as well as the Module picker and Filmstrip (you can press Shift+Tab … [Read more...] about Lightroom Shortcuts for Faster Culling
C-Stands 101
One of the most used tools on a Hollywood set, oh heck on any set, is the C-Stand. C in Roman numerals representing the numeral 100 is how the C-Stand got its name, 100's of uses. When closed it's 53" high, it can be extended to 10'6", it usually is ordered with a 40" arm and Grip Head. The C-Stand is a very versatile tool in the photographer's arsenal. Allow me to show you how to take advantage of the C-Stand. One way is a reflector holder:You simply secure a piece of foamcore or any material that you're using to reflect light onto the talent. … [Read more...] about C-Stands 101
No Sippy Cups here, just Baby Plates
Some of the most used tools on a Hollywood set are C-Stands and Apple Boxes. Then there are these little babies, Baby Plates. What is a Baby Plate you ask? It's a 5/8 stud, about 3" tall, welded onto a 3.5" x 6" metal plate. It has many uses. Allow me to share a few of those that I've used on the set. One of the most common uses for a Baby Plate is a very low light stand:It has a very solid feel and is very stable for most strobe heads. As you can see in the picture, this Baby Plate has 8 holes in its base. Some will have 4. The purpose for … [Read more...] about No Sippy Cups here, just Baby Plates
Scrim for Lighting Detail
Its a beautiful sunny day, you're shooting indoors looking out to a sliding glass door or window and its brighter outside than on your set. Your talent is moving so HDR is not an option. You really don't want a silhouette, if you expose for the talent then your sliding glass door or window blows out with light, what do you do? Allow me to share with you about Black Scrim material. You can purchase it as a open ended flag with various sizes as shown here at B&H, or just the fabric, stretching it over a 18x18 frame as seen here from NCIS:For … [Read more...] about Scrim for Lighting Detail
10 Tips for New Drone Flyers
Drones are really a lot of fun once you safely learn to fly them. Here are a few important tips to help you get up and flying. I didn't list them in any particular order, so be sure to read through all of them before you get started. Know how to shut your drone off quickly! As youre learning to fly your drone, things can sometimes get out of control. The best thing to do is land the drone and shut it off. Practice just turning it on and off, without lifting it from the ground. Find a large, open area outside for your first flight. Its going … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for New Drone Flyers
Quick Tip to Free Up Space for Photos on Your iPhone
Have you tried to delete images or video on your iPhone to free up space, only to find out that you never seem to gain any free space? Apples Photos app has a built-in trash folder to save you from immediately deleting your photos or videos. Its set to auto-delete after 30 days, but its really easy to manually delete. Heres my quick tip: Step 1 Inside Settings > General > About, we can see how much space we have remaining on our phones. Step 2 Inside the Photos app, click on Albums in the lower-right corner. Step 3 Find the album … [Read more...] about Quick Tip to Free Up Space for Photos on Your iPhone
Shooting Personal Projects
A great way to challenge yourself and enhance your skills is to shoot some personal projects. Here is an opportunity to stretch your imagination. Building sets, buying props, coordinating wardrobe, scouting locations and casting talent are all part of the process of shooting your personal projects. When you apply all these things, your ideas will come to life. I'll get an idea visually, and then I need to make it happen. Like this 30's Hollywood glamour shot:Once I cast the beautiful actress, Sarah Deakins, I needed to get hair and make-up. … [Read more...] about Shooting Personal Projects
Why Christmas is the perfect time to take that protective filter off!
We all have been in that situation at the camera store where the salesman asked us if we want to add a protective filter to protect the front element of the expensive lens that we have just bought. And the argument of the salesperson sounds plausible at first. The front element is exposed the most to the elements and most at risk to be damaged. But here are a few points from my experience that should have you think twice about buying and adding one to your lens: Do you really want to put an inferior piece of glass in front of you top grade … [Read more...] about Why Christmas is the perfect time to take that protective filter off!
How I Got the Shot – Backlit with Window Light
Toward the end of the CanAm Photo Expo, led by Doug Hansgate, I wanted to experiment with the beautiful window light I saw coming in the Expo hallway. Most of the gear was already packed or being used. I made a homemade reflector (a piece of white foam core I found laying around) and started to grab people to shoot. At first, most people said: "Oh, no, don't. I never take a good photo." When they saw how much fun we were having, they joined in and this is how I got the shot. Manipulating Light with Aperture and a Reflector I set my aperture … [Read more...] about How I Got the Shot – Backlit with Window Light
Five Tips on Photographing a Model in a Hotel Room (NSFW)
I've been following former Sports Illustrated / HBO photographer Anthony Nestes' transition from sports and entertainment to fashion and glamour photography. He has a unique way of adding simple elements to a scene to help bring the image to life. I took a day trip to Anthony's home in Flagler Beach, Florida, and spent the day asking him questions that resulted in this article "Five tips on photographing a model in a hotel room." Shooting this type of location has its challenges; but with Anthony's basic tips, you can achieve some very … [Read more...] about Five Tips on Photographing a Model in a Hotel Room (NSFW)
C-47: The most useful tool you have in your laundry room.
Most people refer to it as a clothes pin; in Hollywood it's referred to as a C-47. They were named that way because back in the day there were 47 pins in a pack. The C stands for clamp, hence C-47. We'll take them and reverse the way they clamp so that they have more of a pinch tip to grab stuff better: I like using these economical tools for clamping gels to lights and softboxes. Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores sells them in different sizes and colors. I like using the medium clamps to secure gels inside small to medium softboxes: The … [Read more...] about C-47: The most useful tool you have in your laundry room.
10 Down & Dirty Quick Bird Photography Tips
I haven't done one of these in a while so here are 10 short/quick tips for aspiring bird photographers. (In no particular order.) 1. When the sun and the wind are from the same direction, think flight photography. These are perfect conditions to shoot birds in flight. 2. Flight or not, keep the sun at your back. Stay on sun angle. That is - if you want to make commercially acceptable bird photography. More than 90% of the photos published in bird-related publications feature a bird lit by direct sunlight or open shade. 3. Flight photography … [Read more...] about 10 Down & Dirty Quick Bird Photography Tips
Lighting with China Balls
Here is a great economical way to soften your light. They're China Balls: These were used on the set of Grey's Anatomy. You can buy these light diffusers from World Market or Pier 1 Imports. Here's a link to Filmtools. Filmtools is a great resource; however, on some items they are a bit pricey. They cater to the movie and television industry. They range in cost from around $3.75 for a 12" China Ball up to about $17.00 for a 30" China Ball. Most are made of paper; however, some are made of silk. You do not need the silk ones unless you're … [Read more...] about Lighting with China Balls
Three Ways To Improve Your Photographic Eye
When I started getting serious about photography, I stopped concentrating on gear and started concentrating on developing a photographic eye. Unfortunately I was not born with the gift of visual acuity. I am glad to report that it is something you can learn. One of my early teachers used self-assignments to help move me along my path. And three of those assignments rolled into one. I first did these decades ago. Every once in a while to brush up on my visualization, I will do them even now. And even thought these are some of the oldest lessons … [Read more...] about Three Ways To Improve Your Photographic Eye
Batch-Applying Presets in Lightroom
When processing photos in Lightroom's Develop module, if you want to apply a preset you are only able to apply the preset to one file at a time. Sure, you can sync the files, but that one extra step can be a nuisance if you would like to simply use a preset. Thankfully, there is a very easy workaround by using the Quick Develop panel in the Library module! Here's how: Note: Click on each image to view larger. First, make sure that you have a preset ready to go. You can either create one in the Develop module, or download a preset online (here … [Read more...] about Batch-Applying Presets in Lightroom
10 Things Beginning Photographers Should Know
1. There is no magic camera that makes you a great photographer - no more than there is a magic set of golf clubs that will make you a pro golfer or piano brand that will make you a great muscician. 2. Well-known travel photographer David duChemin says Gear is good - vision is better. How do you develop vision? Look at lots of published photos. 3. Study the craft and the art of photography before you spend a lot of money on gear. During your study you will come upon your own photo truth and this is necessary before making a big investment in … [Read more...] about 10 Things Beginning Photographers Should Know
