This is the 30x70 classical framed canvas Gavin made from the large family project discussed on this episode. More links below.
Today’s Host... Gavin Seim. This week Gavin look at news, a bit on LR3, the stolen photo and a look at the technique and results of the large family portrait, the underwater senior session and more.
by Gavin Seim: Attempting to setup light outside with an with an umbrella, softbox, or even a lone strobe can quickly turn into a fiasco of tipping. I have a family session with over forty people this weekend, and the last thing I want to worry about was whether my lights are secure. One common method is to use sandbags, but I wanted something small, light and adaptable to keep stands from falling over. Behold the DIY quick release cords for.
PS. The wind was not intense on the day I made this, but I left them up all afternoon without reservation. These make a VERY stable light and they should handle heavy winds if needed. Do some tests of your own and if in doubt just add a few extra tether cords to make it as sturdy as you need. Also here is a good video on how to tie the Tautline Hitch.
by Gavin Seim: Dynamic range is a big deal in photography and I’ve been making a point to study it over the past few years. Last week I joined Kerry Garrison on the CameraDojo podcast, for a new episode on HDR. In fact however, it’s not just a discussion of traditional HDR, but on all things dynamic range. It’s always fun guesting on other shows (not to mention a lot less work) and I think we pulled together something good here.
Thanks to Kerry for having me. Head over to CameraDojo to give it a listen. Then stay tuned because there’s also a brand new PPS Roundtable coming real soon.
by Gavin Seim: It’s amazing how much information is in files coming from today’s cameras. I do a lot of HDR photography, but I’ve also been working to bring out dynamic range on single files. I can actually pull out more tones using LR than I can in Photoshop.
Today I recorded a quick video to look at brushes masking and Luminance tools to control tones. There’s an HQ download version on Seim Effects. I’ll also be speaking on LR at the PPW Fall Conference so if you’re in the region stop by. Why am I still typing? The video explains it all.
by Gavin Seim. Updated 06.18.10.
I like quick bursts of information and chat frequently as @gavinseim on twitter. I’ve made this list of my favorite tips and ideas. I plan to update it throughout going forward. You can add your favorite photo tweets and tips in the comments with your twitter name. I might even RT them myself.
I give credit when I can, using names in parenthesis. Some of these are my own little musings based on what I’ve learned, so I’ve indicated myself with an (S). If there’s no name then I probably don’t know the source. Remember that these are not always exact quotes, but ideas I’ve re-formed to fit in under 140 characters. Feel free to tweet them yourself. You can RT @gavinseim or link to this post with http://bit.ly/phototip.
Random Things:
Don’t wait for the photography establishment to try and stand out, because if you do, you won’t (S)
I’m not afraid to change my opinion, but I am afraid of not having one. (S)
Competition. A powerful tool that makes you stronger. Complaints about it are often cop outs from photographers not motivated enough to excel (S)
In photography rules mean conformity, and to conform is the opposite of creativity. (Whitmire)
Photography is painting with light. So if light is paint, why do we spend more time pressing buttons than mixing our paint? (S)
