Posts for: Jenni8
Jan 15, 2013 01:11:40 #
I can completely understand how a photo of someone not smiling can show certain emotions to make it interesting or whatever the photo shows to the viewer. But I've seen a few websites from "Pros" saying to take a photo of someone smiling is just amateur. Why would that assume the photographer an amateur just because the model(s) are smiling?
What is supposed to be so wrong with smiling? I know in the olden days people didn't smile to avoid blurring. Obviously that isn't a factor any longer and sometimes that is exactly what the client wants. Smiles. I personally shoot both back and forth to get a wider dynamic. Anyone care to throw in their input on this?
What is supposed to be so wrong with smiling? I know in the olden days people didn't smile to avoid blurring. Obviously that isn't a factor any longer and sometimes that is exactly what the client wants. Smiles. I personally shoot both back and forth to get a wider dynamic. Anyone care to throw in their input on this?
Feb 1, 2012 02:05:11 #
And it was fun! I'm excited on my next one. I'll sleep on it and come up with something tomorrow. Night night.
Feb 1, 2012 02:04:02 #
Ragarm - The shadow was exactly what I mainly focused on in poisoning the object for the final result. I tried a few different shots at a stronger angle. Such as the front of the screwdriver but I wasn't satisfied with the depth of field at various f/stops or how the shadow fell no matter which way I pointed the light. I chose that pose with the light from the certain angle to show the entire shadow. I love your true insight of the feelings as its actually very hard to describe for me, but my title really says it all for me. In further observation the light cast through the screwdriver casts a smily face in one perspective. It seems my own shot is evolving before my very eyes when it hasn't been touched since my post. I just keep looking at it and it almost changes. I wonder if anyone sees that too. Hmmm.
English Wolf - The color of the screwdriver witch came out is not far off from the lighting I observed with my eyes. Its color is "slightly" off as only detectable with close observation of the original. The cloth the screwdriver it was on is a light beige or ivory color and the result is somewhat darker. I did this on purpose though to maintain the detail and to have the light source showing on the top left side be obvious and balance the shadow and also to prevent blowing out the background. The object did not look good with a blown-out background as the metal shaft would blend into the white. I like how it looks as though it's lying on canvas. The cloth is much softer than it looks here although the details are just more obvious in making it appear to have more texture.
But great tip with the HDR. I'll have to try doing that for my next HDR adventure I'll probably step back from for a moment. Although maybe I'll go back into my project and test out your tips at least. I love making different snapshots of the same image to get different results.
Uriah - Good suggestion and I just looked into it. Although i've decided on getting a grey card. I found the WhiBal Grey Card on Amazon for only $20. A light meter is something I'll add to my list of things I want/need.
Melphoto60 - Great info on reflectors! I'll waiver the cost of these materials vs. some collapsable ones I've seen for a pretty reasonable price. I've been looking at those in addition to the studio kit.
And thanks for any other thoughts! (I think I already have a theme started here, as I do have a thing for tools. Hmmm.)
*My next assignment is on contrast. Any kind of contrast, not just light, but any contrasting theme idea or concept. I'm brainstorming currently, today has been a bit bumpy though. My cars clutch went out on the 15 freeway, although everything turned out fine as we are safe at home with my sick car in the garage. As a result of that and working this morning, I'm pretty burnt out and tomorrow is another day. ;)
English Wolf - The color of the screwdriver witch came out is not far off from the lighting I observed with my eyes. Its color is "slightly" off as only detectable with close observation of the original. The cloth the screwdriver it was on is a light beige or ivory color and the result is somewhat darker. I did this on purpose though to maintain the detail and to have the light source showing on the top left side be obvious and balance the shadow and also to prevent blowing out the background. The object did not look good with a blown-out background as the metal shaft would blend into the white. I like how it looks as though it's lying on canvas. The cloth is much softer than it looks here although the details are just more obvious in making it appear to have more texture.
But great tip with the HDR. I'll have to try doing that for my next HDR adventure I'll probably step back from for a moment. Although maybe I'll go back into my project and test out your tips at least. I love making different snapshots of the same image to get different results.
Uriah - Good suggestion and I just looked into it. Although i've decided on getting a grey card. I found the WhiBal Grey Card on Amazon for only $20. A light meter is something I'll add to my list of things I want/need.
Melphoto60 - Great info on reflectors! I'll waiver the cost of these materials vs. some collapsable ones I've seen for a pretty reasonable price. I've been looking at those in addition to the studio kit.
And thanks for any other thoughts! (I think I already have a theme started here, as I do have a thing for tools. Hmmm.)
*My next assignment is on contrast. Any kind of contrast, not just light, but any contrasting theme idea or concept. I'm brainstorming currently, today has been a bit bumpy though. My cars clutch went out on the 15 freeway, although everything turned out fine as we are safe at home with my sick car in the garage. As a result of that and working this morning, I'm pretty burnt out and tomorrow is another day. ;)
Jan 30, 2012 23:31:16 #
Dave K wrote:
quote=Jenni8 Thank you all for all the input! b... (show quote)
Awesome response. Overall, you must be full of insight, and have good experience. So I am pleased and grateful in your thoughts.
The background is something I've been bad about paying attention to before. It's easy to overlook what your not "looking" at. Now I've gotten to the point where I'll look through some of my newbie shots and it's so easy to pick out flaws I never saw or understood before. I'm still making a ton of mistakes, but a lot less than before, so I must be learning a lot. LOL.
Be back in a day or two with my next assignment. Happy shooting!
Jan 30, 2012 22:20:24 #
I've only used HDR Pro a handful of times actually. When I learned to do the ABE when I had overlooked it for so long I tried out a few test shots. I backed away being that I wasn't really thrilled with Photoshop's HDR tool or I just haven't figured out how to use it properly. Or maybe the over processed look isn't for me, I dunno. I'm not going to go HDR too much, rather than throw it in the mix or if I get a good idea for something HDR specific. This particular setting called for me to use it this time. Taking ABE's isn't my main flow for sure, it's definitely outside my box.
Jan 30, 2012 22:12:16 #
English_Wolf wrote:
The hallow effect is due to the hdr tweak.
Is that a good thing or bad thing:?:
Jan 30, 2012 22:11:20 #
docrob - I like your suggestions. I've thought of that as I was originally planning doing that exactly, especially since I work at Lowe's and I have many things I've bought and made into certain projects I've been working on. But I did the math, and it's actually more affordable to get this kit I found( Their are 2 I'm deciding between.) Which is not pro to any standard I'd bet, but good for starting out. Being that the drop cloths are the most of the cost even in finding some for $35 pretty easy online. The kit is a bargain in buying the cheap gear separate. And I can grow from their. I want something to look in the more professional without spending too much straight out.
I haven't thought of reflective paper as I've seen some portable reflectors I'd like to try out.. So starting out with reflective paper, I HADN'T thought of that one.
I haven't thought of reflective paper as I've seen some portable reflectors I'd like to try out.. So starting out with reflective paper, I HADN'T thought of that one.
Jan 30, 2012 22:00:20 #
Thank you all for all the input!
Dave K - As far as the studio setup, I've already got my heart set on a basic beginner set online. My husband is on board, I can't turn back. I completely understand about taking shots outside. I do that too as I'm still learning the basics, although I feel that I now UNDERSTAND the basics much better, as I just need to get more experience and create more self focus. One of my favorite shots I've done was of my father-in-law with the light coming in from the window on him. I converted into B&W and realized what I did. At the time I'll be honest, it was completely by accident. The original wasn't that great either until I converted it. I've always been told I have the "eye" as my father-in-law was really the first one to tell me I have real talent and need to just harness it and make it grow into something I can make a living at. Coming from him this is big, who also has photography experience, but in the dark room days. Now I need to not see with my eye as much as I need to see it as the camera does and use my eye in a technical way instead of stumbling onto things only by accident. Although I will always have the metadata as reference.
I suddenly have a lot more space in my garage to set-up a studio and it's something I've been wanting to set up for a little while now but didn't have the room before. Also, I've been bored or uninspired, for many outside reasons, and as a Gemini I have to keep things fresh and new, otherwise I loose interest or focus. I love having options but I think also I've been overwhelmed. Which is also Why I've been having problems getting a portfolio together; I've been lacking focus. I plan to work with different "assignments" to create some focus, and help me find a great theme for me. I feel working "simply" in a sense will help me focus which is why I appeal to a studio. I can pick 1 object or person, and focus on that for a while, create a theme of some sort. Then I can add another person too or object and work on that Then when I get 'bored' or loose focus I will take those same people and objects and see what I can do outside. I bet my perspective shifts. :-D I have had ideas, and plans of certain things that require some sort of studio. The outside can overwhelm me a lot sometimes as my self focus isn't trained yet.
You are right, I've only been at this for a few years with my DSLR and in the last 6 months I think I've learned the most. For me I learn best when I take a not so straight path. The easiest path for me is always the longest when it comes to me learning, whereas most seem to prefer the common route to do things. Be that my you give great advice and I like your story about the lady in the window. Especially that it made me think of my shot with the same lighting style. I'll post that here below. The background is a bit distracting though and I created some artificial background blur. It would be easy enough to photoshop the main distracting objects if I were to print it out.
My assignments I do are going to vary in location and style of many sorts, I already have my next one lined up to do I will prepare for tonight.
Dave K - As far as the studio setup, I've already got my heart set on a basic beginner set online. My husband is on board, I can't turn back. I completely understand about taking shots outside. I do that too as I'm still learning the basics, although I feel that I now UNDERSTAND the basics much better, as I just need to get more experience and create more self focus. One of my favorite shots I've done was of my father-in-law with the light coming in from the window on him. I converted into B&W and realized what I did. At the time I'll be honest, it was completely by accident. The original wasn't that great either until I converted it. I've always been told I have the "eye" as my father-in-law was really the first one to tell me I have real talent and need to just harness it and make it grow into something I can make a living at. Coming from him this is big, who also has photography experience, but in the dark room days. Now I need to not see with my eye as much as I need to see it as the camera does and use my eye in a technical way instead of stumbling onto things only by accident. Although I will always have the metadata as reference.
I suddenly have a lot more space in my garage to set-up a studio and it's something I've been wanting to set up for a little while now but didn't have the room before. Also, I've been bored or uninspired, for many outside reasons, and as a Gemini I have to keep things fresh and new, otherwise I loose interest or focus. I love having options but I think also I've been overwhelmed. Which is also Why I've been having problems getting a portfolio together; I've been lacking focus. I plan to work with different "assignments" to create some focus, and help me find a great theme for me. I feel working "simply" in a sense will help me focus which is why I appeal to a studio. I can pick 1 object or person, and focus on that for a while, create a theme of some sort. Then I can add another person too or object and work on that Then when I get 'bored' or loose focus I will take those same people and objects and see what I can do outside. I bet my perspective shifts. :-D I have had ideas, and plans of certain things that require some sort of studio. The outside can overwhelm me a lot sometimes as my self focus isn't trained yet.
You are right, I've only been at this for a few years with my DSLR and in the last 6 months I think I've learned the most. For me I learn best when I take a not so straight path. The easiest path for me is always the longest when it comes to me learning, whereas most seem to prefer the common route to do things. Be that my you give great advice and I like your story about the lady in the window. Especially that it made me think of my shot with the same lighting style. I'll post that here below. The background is a bit distracting though and I created some artificial background blur. It would be easy enough to photoshop the main distracting objects if I were to print it out.
My assignments I do are going to vary in location and style of many sorts, I already have my next one lined up to do I will prepare for tonight.
Jan 30, 2012 02:03:59 #
4.0 sec at f/16, 400 ISO, 29mm
Canon T2i, EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS
Lighting used was a small table lamp, no flash.
I found some basic photography assignments I will start doing at least 2 - 3 times a week.
Assignment #1
Pick a mundane object and make it look interesting. (Their was a little more to it, but that was the basic concept. Basicly it was vague in the PP part, so I went beyond my comfort zone, which is WHY I am doing assignments I can find.)
So this is what I did:
I set my camera for Exposure bracketing on a tripod with stabilizer set to off. I used the 3 shots and ran them through PS5 HDR Pro . . . I wasn't looking to make it "look" HDR, I just wanted to experiment. The final I cropped to 8x10.
My brother-in-law said it looks like something he'd see on a big sign in a hardware store. :)
I am curious as to any professional observations. I will be soon getting a basic studio lighting kit to set up a studio as I plan shoot people and objects. My current setup is nothing, or anything. So I'm trying things now in small steps to achieve something similar to that environment.
This is my result:
Canon T2i, EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS
Lighting used was a small table lamp, no flash.
I found some basic photography assignments I will start doing at least 2 - 3 times a week.
Assignment #1
Pick a mundane object and make it look interesting. (Their was a little more to it, but that was the basic concept. Basicly it was vague in the PP part, so I went beyond my comfort zone, which is WHY I am doing assignments I can find.)
So this is what I did:
I set my camera for Exposure bracketing on a tripod with stabilizer set to off. I used the 3 shots and ran them through PS5 HDR Pro . . . I wasn't looking to make it "look" HDR, I just wanted to experiment. The final I cropped to 8x10.
My brother-in-law said it looks like something he'd see on a big sign in a hardware store. :)
I am curious as to any professional observations. I will be soon getting a basic studio lighting kit to set up a studio as I plan shoot people and objects. My current setup is nothing, or anything. So I'm trying things now in small steps to achieve something similar to that environment.
This is my result:
Screwdriver Kissing Shadow
Jan 29, 2012 00:29:42 #
Thank you! Main problem is they always want to get like right on top of the camera.
Jan 28, 2012 04:59:45 #
This is from last year, not one of my best photos, but I love my memory that goes along with it. Here is the scenario:
Me - "Tavin, come over here so I can take your picture."
Tavin - "Take my picture HERE Mommy."
Me - "You want to pose right next to the bird bath?"
Tavin - "Yeah take it here."
And without further instruction he smiles (and poses all by himself.) I take the shot and then he runs away to play and wants nothing more to do with my camera. :-D
I cropped it as close as possible as the background is a bit distracting. The shadow I love and hate, as I should have used a flash. Although with the Lightroom 4 beta I was able to bring out the blown out parts much better than with LR3. I realize I can photoshop the distracting background, I just haven't taken it over to PS yet. It's pleasing as is and if I try again in the future, I'll close the darn fence, use my flash, faster shutter speed, better depth of field, etc, etc.
If I shoot my kids candid, I get no cooperation. I have to set it up like a field trip, then they go along with it much better.
Me - "Tavin, come over here so I can take your picture."
Tavin - "Take my picture HERE Mommy."
Me - "You want to pose right next to the bird bath?"
Tavin - "Yeah take it here."
And without further instruction he smiles (and poses all by himself.) I take the shot and then he runs away to play and wants nothing more to do with my camera. :-D
I cropped it as close as possible as the background is a bit distracting. The shadow I love and hate, as I should have used a flash. Although with the Lightroom 4 beta I was able to bring out the blown out parts much better than with LR3. I realize I can photoshop the distracting background, I just haven't taken it over to PS yet. It's pleasing as is and if I try again in the future, I'll close the darn fence, use my flash, faster shutter speed, better depth of field, etc, etc.
If I shoot my kids candid, I get no cooperation. I have to set it up like a field trip, then they go along with it much better.
Take my picture HERE Mommy!
Jan 28, 2012 04:26:59 #
When I first started shooting RAW, I would shoot in both RAW+JPG and challenge myself to edit the photo BETTER than the JPG straight out of the camera. Once the JPG's weren't useful for me anymore I started to shoot RAW only. Now I can't stand JPG's until I'm finished and Only export as needed then delete the JPG when I'm done using it, as I can always export it again. It also reduces clutter in my organization. Who needs multiple JPGS of the same photo when you have the original to always to back to? (Well I don't anyway.) Also if I edit in Photoshop, I'll always save that file. Space for RAW files isn't as big a deal as it used to be. Hard drives come at a bargain these days. In comparison to camera gear, computers are a bargain.
To me when you edit a JPG, it's like leaving a photo in the sun; it degrades. When dealing with just RAW it can take a lot of time, so having both options at hand could speed up the process if you like it as the initial JPG, but then keep the RAW for future editing. I like to go back to my older photos and fix the ones I thought I got right, it shows me how much I've learned in Post Processing. Nothing I edit is ever 'finished.' Just a perk of shooting RAW, it's like saving your negatives, but better IMO.
Good luck! I would agree that it does seem odd your teacher instructed you to shoot in RAW without actually TEACHING. She might as well have handed any beginner a DSLR on manual and expect the student to know what the heck to do without instruction. It wasn't that long ago when I first got my DSLR. I wanted it so badly but once I got my hands on it, I had no idea what to do. But I jumped in and took some really lousy photos compared to my point and shoot days. . . at first. I took so many dummy shots just checking out the settings. I went from, Oh this is going to be so fun! to realizing I know nothing, to where now I know 'some things.'
In actuality, I still know nothing compared to any novice or professional. I keep stumbling upon new things that are like "WOW" to me, when to a pro, it's childs play. ;)
RAW is like jumping into the deep-end at first when it seems so challenging (because it can be very challenging, a real dark room is challenging too, PHOTOGRAPHY is challenging all around.)
Once you get RAW editing basics down a little but, edit a photo in RAW, and try and process those same edits on the a copy of the JPG. Zoom in at 100% and you'll see a huge difference in quality and that could settle your debate.
P.S. Everyone here would love to see your results, and so many can help you with editing. I love this forum, its like a support group, to support our love and obsession with photography. ;)
To me when you edit a JPG, it's like leaving a photo in the sun; it degrades. When dealing with just RAW it can take a lot of time, so having both options at hand could speed up the process if you like it as the initial JPG, but then keep the RAW for future editing. I like to go back to my older photos and fix the ones I thought I got right, it shows me how much I've learned in Post Processing. Nothing I edit is ever 'finished.' Just a perk of shooting RAW, it's like saving your negatives, but better IMO.
Good luck! I would agree that it does seem odd your teacher instructed you to shoot in RAW without actually TEACHING. She might as well have handed any beginner a DSLR on manual and expect the student to know what the heck to do without instruction. It wasn't that long ago when I first got my DSLR. I wanted it so badly but once I got my hands on it, I had no idea what to do. But I jumped in and took some really lousy photos compared to my point and shoot days. . . at first. I took so many dummy shots just checking out the settings. I went from, Oh this is going to be so fun! to realizing I know nothing, to where now I know 'some things.'
In actuality, I still know nothing compared to any novice or professional. I keep stumbling upon new things that are like "WOW" to me, when to a pro, it's childs play. ;)
RAW is like jumping into the deep-end at first when it seems so challenging (because it can be very challenging, a real dark room is challenging too, PHOTOGRAPHY is challenging all around.)
Once you get RAW editing basics down a little but, edit a photo in RAW, and try and process those same edits on the a copy of the JPG. Zoom in at 100% and you'll see a huge difference in quality and that could settle your debate.
P.S. Everyone here would love to see your results, and so many can help you with editing. I love this forum, its like a support group, to support our love and obsession with photography. ;)
Jan 27, 2012 02:23:40 #
Thanks!
So easy to find, just need to know what you're looking for. :)
By far the BEST new thing I've learned all day! Creative projects like this are things I love to do.
So did you use a hole saw to drill out the cap? And if you did what size?
So easy to find, just need to know what you're looking for. :)
By far the BEST new thing I've learned all day! Creative projects like this are things I love to do.
So did you use a hole saw to drill out the cap? And if you did what size?
Jan 27, 2012 01:47:51 #
Awesome post! Very informative. Can you reverse mount any regular lens or only certain mounts?
I'd love to try out your project you displayed here. I'm going to copy it for reference. Now I need to find out what places around me sell these cheap lenses.
I'd love to try out your project you displayed here. I'm going to copy it for reference. Now I need to find out what places around me sell these cheap lenses.
Jan 26, 2012 14:09:52 #
Yeah the second one I like best too. It seems very balanced where the bottom is a bit bright for my eyes. Love the color anyhow and perception is amazing.