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 10.18.09:
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 the year. 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.
Things to think on:
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)
It seems that by giving away knowledge we only get more of it. (S)
Competition. A powerful tool that makes you stronger. Complaints about it are often cop outs from photographers not motivated enough to excel (S)
Art is not about money. But it really really helps. (S)
In photography rules mean conformity, and to conform is the opposite of creativity. (Whitmire)
I’m tired of the industry telling photographers what a standard size is. My print size will be what I decide to make it. (S)
Photography is painting with light. So if light is paint, why do we spend more time pressing buttons than mixing our paint? (S)
by Alan Hutchison: More and more pro photographers these days are breaking out of their nice clean controlled studios to offer environmental portrait shoots.
Whilst the studio offers perfectly controlled lighting conditions, the big bad real world can throw up all sorts of challenges in your way. One of them is bright sunlight (ironically something I don’t actually have to worry about too much in my local area of Central Scotland).
But sunlight is easy to deal with, right? Weren’t we all told to keep the sun over our shoulder – i.e. ensure the light is falling on your subject. Whilst this is all well and good, with harsh bright sunlight you are going to get subjects with squinting eyes – not the most photogenic of looks. Continue reading ‘How to deal with bright sunlight on portrait shoots’
by Alan Hutchison: When we think of formal portraits we tend of think of studios and expensive lighting set-ups. Well here’s a quick tip to achieve that same look just using available light, a scrap of dark cloth and a baby changing mat. Yes, you heard right, a baby changing mat. Let me explain.
This image was taken by Scott Bourne, a renown bird photographer. You may remember him from Pro Photo Show Podcast #46. Cranes In the Fire mist was taken at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico, and needed perfect conditions. Scott had it in his mind for 12 years before he nailed it.
I wanted to post this not only because it’s an inspiring shot, but also because Scott wrote telling the story behind it. If you have photographer blood you’ll feel the excitment when you read him telling about it. Check out the article. It’s full of inspiration, and when finished you’ll probably want to pick up camera and head to Mexico. Only to have me remind that there’s a masterpiece of some kind waiting right out your back door. Gavin Seim
