Category: Technique
The latest article in Digital Outback Photo’s “The Art of Digital B/W” series looks at a technique for converting a color photo to B/W, tweaking the B/W result and keeping the color photo in the same file.
The latest article in Digital Outback Photo’s “The Art of Digital B/W” series looks at a technique for converting a color photo to B/W, tweaking the B/W result and keeping the color photo in the same file. Website: Digital Outback Photo - Layer based B/W Conversion…
The website Photography at About.com has an excellent article about photographing public events and demonstrations, something that I am personally interested in.
“Over the years I’ve photographed many such political marches, demonstrations and events in London, a few of which have had their violent and scaring moments. Occasionally I’ve been covering events for a particular client; but mainly I’ve been interested in making a historical record - these are things that I think are important and should be documented. The people who get out on the streets - for whatever cause - are people who are actively trying to influence the course of events.”
Website: Photography at About.com - Photographing Events and Demonstrations
The website Photography at About.com has an excellent article about photographing public events and demonstrations, something that I am personally interested in. “Over the years I’ve photographed many such political marches, demonstrations and events in London, a few of which have had their violent and scaring moments. Occasionally I’ve been…
Photo.net’s latest technique-based article looks at TCs (teleconverters, multipliers) and their effect on image quality.
“TCs are very useful accessories but they work best when low power TCs are used with high quality prime lenses. If you’re looking to preserve the maximum amount of image quality from your prime lens, use a 1.4x TC and preferably one made by the lens manufacturer. 3rd party TCs can be quite good, especially when used with digital cameras with small sensors since in that case the image quality at the edge of the full 43mm image circle used in full frame 35mm format isn’t seen by the sensor.”
Photo.net’s latest technique-based article looks at TCs (teleconverters, multipliers) and their effect on image quality. “TCs are very useful accessories but they work best when low power TCs are used with high quality prime lenses. If you’re looking to preserve the maximum amount of image quality from your prime lens…
Luminous Landscape’s latest article is a technical look by Jonathan Wienke at using linear and non-linear RAW file conversions to produe a black and white image.
“As I refined my B&W technique, I began using linear RAW conversion because it allows one to easily make use of 100% of the dynamic range captured by the sensor. Linear RAW conversion is difficult to use for color images because no tone curves are applied to the image data; there is no profiling or color adjustment done during the conversion process. In addition, images converted in linear mode tend to be extremely dark, and require fairly radical gamma adjustment to get the image to look “right”. But the slightly odd-looking color common to linearly converted RAW images is not an issue when the image is being converted to B&W. I discovered that if I normalized the color channels of a linear RAW conversion (basically “stretching” the values of each color channel so that they ranged from the minimum to the maximum values) and then applied a gamma adjustment of about 4 to 5, I would have a color image that, while frequently looking a bit odd in color, would always convert to a very nice B&W.”
Luminous Landscape’s latest article is a technical look by Jonathan Wienke at using linear and non-linear RAW file conversions to produe a black and white image. “As I refined my B&W technique, I began using linear RAW conversion because it allows one to easily make use of 100% of the…
Michael Reichmann has published a new article, “Cloning Out the Can”, considers the subject of altering images and asks how far you should go.
“That photographs can be altered doesn’t really concern me. They always have been and always will. A more interesting discussion to my mind is that of degree. This is a real issue that every photographer has to deal with on an almost daily basis. It has nothing really do with digital vs. traditional means and media - but again simply is an ethical question that photographers have long had to deal with.”
Michael Reichmann has published a new article, “Cloning Out the Can”, considers the subject of altering images and asks how far you should go. “That photographs can be altered doesn’t really concern me. They always have been and always will. A more interesting discussion to my mind is that of…
Popular Photography magazine have interviewed 8 street photographers and published their insights and advice on their website. Fascinating stuff.
“PPI: Do you try to be “invisible” when you shoot, or do you approach people and ask to take their pictures? Either way, how do you handle approaching people and taking their pictures?
I never try to be invisible. And I almost never ask. I just stand around with a camera and photograph. If I make eye contact, I smile. That’s about it. When you are starting out, you tend to worry about this kind of thing but the truth is most people simply accept your presence if you look as if you know what you’re doing.”
Website: Popular Photography - Street Photographer Interviews
Popular Photography magazine have interviewed 8 street photographers and published their insights and advice on their website. Fascinating stuff. “PPI: Do you try to be “invisible” when you shoot, or do you approach people and ask to take their pictures? Either way, how do you handle approaching people and taking…
Want to be a successful photographer? Mike Johnston’s “Secrets of Success” article is a good place to start.
“Successful photographers, for the most part, have an excess of personal energy. They can work from down to dusk and want more. They’re restless when they’re not working. They don’t like vacations. Sitting around is not for them. This has been true of Dean Collins, Cartier-Bresson, Norman Parkinson, Robert Capa, Edward Weston, Andy Warhol, Galen Rowell, Eliott Erwitt, Jacques Lartigue, and on and on and on. Lazy, slow, tired, procrastinating photographers without the energy to follow through are not likely to build up the needed momentum.”
Want to be a successful photographer? Mike Johnston’s “Secrets of Success” article is a good place to start. “Successful photographers, for the most part, have an excess of personal energy. They can work from down to dusk and want more. They’re restless when they’re not working. They don’t like vacations…
In a new technique series called “The Art of Digital B/W”, Digital Outback Photo’s first tutorial presents a a simple procedure in Adobe Photoshop that you can use to copy a tone from any picture and apply it to your own images.
In a new technique series called “The Art of Digital B/W”, Digital Outback Photo’s first tutorial presents a a simple procedure in Adobe Photoshop that you can use to copy a tone from any picture and apply it to your own images. Website: Digital Outback Photo - How To Reproduce…
The latest Luminous Landscape article is an introduction to astrophotography by Jeff Ball.
“Fortunately, astrophotographers are benefiting greatly from the focus efforts of digital camera manufacturers to reduce noise in their chips. The new chips, especially the CMOS chips, have proven to be pretty good astronomical imaging devices. In their current configuration, the filters reduce the sensitivity of the chips to the 656nm spectral line, but some astronomical manufacturers are actually modifying the filter on the Digital Rebel to improve the 656nm sensitivity for astronomical imaging.”
The latest Luminous Landscape article is an introduction to astrophotography by Jeff Ball. “Fortunately, astrophotographers are benefiting greatly from the focus efforts of digital camera manufacturers to reduce noise in their chips. The new chips, especially the CMOS chips, have proven to be pretty good astronomical imaging devices. In their…
In his latest article, Micheal Reichmann discusses an article from the Scientific American magazine, called “The Tyranny of Choice”. So are you a “maximizer” or a “satisficer”? (I think I’m mostly the latter with a touch of the former).
“The Tyranny of Choice is written by Barry Schwartz, professor of Social Theory at Swathmore College. The premise of his essay is that in contemporary society we are faced with an overabundance of choices, and that rather than leading to greater happiness, indeed for the type of person which he classifies as “maximizers”, this over-abundance of choice often leads to decreased satisfaction and reduced happiness.
I want to bring the article to your attention because it speaks directly to some of the issues that I have been discussing on this site in several recent articles.”
In his latest article, Micheal Reichmann discusses an article from the Scientific American magazine, called “The Tyranny of Choice”. So are you a “maximizer” or a “satisficer”? (I think I’m mostly the latter with a touch of the former). “The Tyranny of Choice is written by Barry Schwartz, professor of…
Mary McGrath’s article about black and white photography over at TakeGreatPictures.com is a great introduction to this medium, complete with some very nice images to illustrate the ideas.
“Black and white gives you the opportunity to focus on other elements besides color. Without color as a crutch, many other facets of a photo become apparent. It’s sort of like closing your eyes, and suddenly, you hear sounds more distinctly. You smell aromas. The tactile takes over. Taking color out of the equation enables you to focus on other fundamentals of photography, such as composition, tonal range, and texture.”
Mary McGrath’s article about black and white photography over at TakeGreatPictures.com is a great introduction to this medium, complete with some very nice images to illustrate the ideas. “Black and white gives you the opportunity to focus on other elements besides color. Without color as a crutch, many other facets…
This week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at the creative uses of bokeh. Don’t have a clue what that is? Then read on…
“Now, I have to admit that I got somewhat obsessed with bokeh after I finally became aware of it. It interested me, in particular, that different lenses render blur in different ways. Even knowing that I take things a bit too far, though, it always seemed strange to me that there are people who don’t think it’s valid to look at the blurry parts of pictures.”
This week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at the creative uses of bokeh. Don’t have a clue what that is? Then read on… “Now, I have to admit that I got somewhat obsessed with bokeh after I finally became aware of it. It interested me, in particular, that…
Mark Hobson’s latest article over at the Nature Photographers Online Magazine takes a look at colour in the digital age:
“One of Photoshop’s strengths since the beginning has been its ability with each successive version to mimic ever more traditional darkroom techniques - burning, dodging, contrast control, color control, masking techniques for a wide range of applications (blending, sharpening, etc.), spotting/retouching, to name just a few. Traditionalists in the darkroom, who have made the transition to the digital darkroom, have a tendency to feel right at home once they get the smell of chemicals out of their nose and brain.”
Website: Nature Photographers Online Magazine - It Ain’t What You Eat, It’s The Way You Chew It
Mark Hobson’s latest article over at the Nature Photographers Online Magazine takes a look at colour in the digital age: “One of Photoshop’s strengths since the beginning has been its ability with each successive version to mimic ever more traditional darkroom techniques - burning, dodging, contrast control, color control, masking…
Does this sound like you?!
“I have a problem - I am a gear junkie. I have bought and sold and traded so much gear that I could have opened my own camera store! Whenever some new piece of equipment came out, I fantasized over owning it and dreamt of how it would change my photographic life for the better. I was pitiful! At one time, my camera bag weighed over 70lbs and contained four separate camera systems (35, 645, 617, and 4x5). I figured I needed it all just in case the unexpected happened. I was like a troupe of boy scouts - always prepared.”
If the answer is yes, then you should read the full article :-)
Website: Nature Photographers Online Magazine - Confessions of a Gear Junkie
Does this sound like you?! “I have a problem - I am a gear junkie. I have bought and sold and traded so much gear that I could have opened my own camera store! Whenever some new piece of equipment came out, I fantasized over owning it and dreamt of…
We’ve probably all day-dreamed about earning a living from something that we currently enjoy as a hobby, such as photography, before going back to our day jobs. If you want to take the next step and turn those dreams into reality, then About.com’s basic overview of how to become a photographer may be of interest to you.
“If you want to be a photographer you can usually just go out there and do it, though it is often very difficult to find clients for your work. However, for many areas of photography no formal educational qualifications are needed - if your work is good enough and you can promote it you will succeed…
However I would recommend everyone to take an appropriate course, preferably to college graduate level. You don’t have to give up the idea of being a photographer until after you finish your course though - get out and start taking pictures now. Some students even find they can earn enough from photography to support them through their course.”
Website: About.com - Becoming a Photographer
We’ve probably all day-dreamed about earning a living from something that we currently enjoy as a hobby, such as photography, before going back to our day jobs. If you want to take the next step and turn those dreams into reality, then About.com’s basic overview of how to become a…
About.com’s article “Is Photography Art?” is an interesting historical look at a question that many photographers ask themselves, whether it be about their own work or that of other photographers. I’ve already done this, questioning whether or not Wolfgang Tillmans is an artist or a photographer
“Photography is not art any more than oil paint is art. Some photographers used it to create art. That it was often second-rate and derivative art hardly surprises, so is most painting. The best photography—such as the work of Strand and Weston—can stand beside that of other major figures in art.”
Website: About.com - Is Photography Art?
About.com’s article “Is Photography Art?” is an interesting historical look at a question that many photographers ask themselves, whether it be about their own work or that of other photographers. I’ve already done this, questioning whether or not Wolfgang Tillmans is an artist or a photographer “Photography is not art…
Photo.net contributor Mike Spinak has posted a guide to various techniques for obtaining maximum sharpness in your photographs. And no, buying the most expensive lens on the market is not one of the techniques…
“The primary sharpness-limiting factor for most photographers is inadequate technique, not inadequate optics. Someone who knows and practices excellent technique can usually easily get sharper results out of a cheap zoom lens than the results achieved by somebody who uses an optically superior (and vastly more expensive) prime lens with poor technique.”
Photo.net contributor Mike Spinak has posted a guide to various techniques for obtaining maximum sharpness in your photographs. And no, buying the most expensive lens on the market is not one of the techniques… “The primary sharpness-limiting factor for most photographers is inadequate technique, not inadequate optics. Someone who knows…
My favourite online print service, PhotoBox, is currently running a special promotion for anyone in the UK who has bought a digital camera in 2004. Well worth trying out if you qualify.
“As a special digital introductory offer, registered PhotoBox customers can claim 50 free prints when they send us a copy of a new digital camera invoice*. To qualify for this limited offer your invoice must be dated between 1st January and 30th April 2004 and include a digital camera purchase value of GBP200 or more (including VAT). You have until the end of April to take up this fantastic offer and get to know your new camera’s photographic capabilities.”
My favourite online print service, PhotoBox, is currently running a special promotion for anyone in the UK who has bought a digital camera in 2004. Well worth trying out if you qualify. “As a special digital introductory offer, registered PhotoBox customers can claim 50 free prints when they send us…
There’s no Sunday Morning Photographer column this week; instead Michael Reichmann urges us to get out there and practice:
“Every musician knows that the only road to proficiency, both technical and artistic, is through practice. The world famous violinist Jascha Heifetz is reputed to have practiced at least 3 hours a day, even into his 80’s. Many famous writers sit down to write at a fixed time each day, whether they feel like it or not, because writing is what they do. Writers write. Painters paint.
And what do photographers do? Whatever it is, if they are truly passionate about their art and their craft they should be out photographing. Often.”
There’s no Sunday Morning Photographer column this week; instead Michael Reichmann urges us to get out there and practice: “Every musician knows that the only road to proficiency, both technical and artistic, is through practice. The world famous violinist Jascha Heifetz is reputed to have practiced at least 3 hours…
Nature Photographers Online Magazine has recently published an interesting article by Mark Hobson, who urges you to focus on a specific subject in order to stand out from the photography crowd.
“So, let me repeat myself. All great photographers do the same. Avedon, Penn, Bresson, Adams, Witkin, Meyerowitz, et al - they find (or create) a niche and then they hammer at it over and over again. They create a focused body of related work of a particular subject over an extended period of time, and, from that vision-defining body of work, emerges the ?greatest hits? for which they are well known.”
Nature Photographers Online Magazine has recently published an interesting article by Mark Hobson, who urges you to focus on a specific subject in order to stand out from the photography crowd. “So, let me repeat myself. All great photographers do the same. Avedon, Penn, Bresson, Adams, Witkin, Meyerowitz, et al…