I was a guest on this weeks Camera Dojo podcast with Kerry Garrison talking about all things HDR.
We chatted about the various techniques and tools, and I shared my techniques for HDR portraits. I just listened to myself this afternoon. It felt different being on the guest end, but it was relaxing. This won’t be in the PPS podcast feed, but If you’re interested head over the Camera Dojo and give a listen. While your at it you can drop by iTunes and subscribe to their show… Gavin
This weeks Cool Photo Product(s) Of The Week
This weeks gadget comes in various types, but you’ll find plenty of links to various options. The bottom line is that you should ABSOLUTELY have a cable release in your bag.
The release is basically a button that connects to your camera (occasionally wireless, but usually wired) that allows you to trip the shutter, and often allows you to lock it open (using Bulb mode on the camera) for long exposures. It’s also important for long exposures as you don’t have to “touch” the camera.
The lock button is invaluable for night images and if you’ve never done long exposure night photography, you owe it to yourself to try it. It’s pretty amazing what can come out of a camera after a multi-minute exposure. I’ve shot exposures to over 60 minutes with some neat results.
The release is also perfect for the portrait, commercial, or any other type of photographer; allowing you to set the camera on a pod, and shoot without leaning over it. Great for shooting while interacting a subject.
Last but not least I almost always use a release for shooting my HDR sequences because again I don’t have to touch (and thus shake) the camera. So now that you know you want one, here a few options…
Canon RS-80N3: Is what I use. It’s fits most newer Canons, has a lock, and works great. Runs about 50- on B&H
Canon TC-80N3: Is the big brother to the RS80. It runs close to 150- but offer a digital screen with a timer, This is perfect is you plan on a lot of long exposures.
Nikon MC30: This is for most of the Nikon line N90-D3 range. Again at about 50- it’s simple but effective.
Nikon MC36: This is the big brother on the Nikon side. Display, timer, and other cool functions for about 130- Again a good choice to the person who does a lot of long exposures.
Now there’s other models available, some from third parties as well, and also if you shoot other camera brands. Just search around. This is one piece if kit you should not be without.
I’ve been using Lightroom Presets like crazy these days, as well as working on my own Lightroom Preset collections. I’ve decided to add to the mix of free lightroom presets, with a few of my favorites that come from my Power Workflow Lightroom presets collection. If you like preset’s, you’ll love Power Workflow.
On to the free stuff. These have both RAW & JPEG versions just like you’ll find in my Power Workflow collection. You can also find more free presets, actions and effects over my Seim Effects Blog.
- Fantasy Sampler. Download Fantasy Sampler
These are a few of my favorite special effects from my Power Workflow. 400 is loosely based on the very popular “300″series by Mikelao. It’s a cool fantasy effect that adds some snappy drama to a scene.
Fantasy is a preset I use all the time, and have found it to be very useful since it gives a creative look. Fantasy Basic is a great lightweight general use effect that gives a nice gentle look. It works great on nearly any image. There’s more variations in the my complete set but this should get you rocking!
More than everyday Presets: POWER WORKFLOW Lightroom Presets. Define your style!!
