Tutorials and authors Wanted: topics list

RobertP

RobertP

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The Tutorials section could do with some fresh new content. That means identifying the subjects that will help members and finding volunteers to write them up.

Writing a tutorial/guide can take quite a bit of effort if the subject is complex. It can also be a bit daunting putting yourself forward as an 'expert'. If you know your topic then by all means just write your tutorial. If like me you know a fair bit about it but know others will have valid points or other information you might leave out then it can help to have a 'work in progress' thread in the Talk sections to gather information and ideas.

As an example on a huge topic this thread led to this tutorial. It contains stuff I didn't know as well as things I did.

I'll volunteer for a couple of these at least once I have the time to put into them but to kick things here is the start of a topics list. Me or another staff member will add your suggestions to the list and put names against them if anyone is kind enough to take a subject on.

Why should I shoot RAW - Your name could be here
with examples of raw and jpeg of same shot processed to show what gets lost and cannot be recovered etc. plenty on the forum already - needs pulling together and completing.

I've shot RAW format - now what do I do with it? - Your name could be here
Basic steps in processing problem free pictures like levels,white balance, sharpening etc.

Lightroom 2 Sharpening - Your name could be here
explaining what the sliders do and how to set them for different picture types etc.

Finding a composition in a landscape - RobertP - when I get time
List of basic composition elements and how to frame a scene if you are not naturally artistic.

Monitor Calibration- Your name could be here
just some simple information on why you should do it and maybe a calibration picture or two to show if monitor is out.

Filters, what's available and what they do.... - cheweyuk

cowasaki said:
What about a few basic technical tutorials explaining

DOF
ISO
Aperture
Shutter speed

and how these are linked/interact - This comes up constantly!!

Then something on:

1) White Balance - what it is, setting it correctly, grey cards etc etc
2) Flash photography (bouncing/colour filters/when to use etc)
3) Nikon's flash system
4) Studio lighting - how to get the correct exposure using 3 studio lights (soft boxes/brollies etc) ==== I would be really interested in this one!!
5) Product shots (getting those shots with totally white or totally black backgrounds) etc
6) Macro photography
7) Cleaning sensors
8) Cleaning lenses
9) Choosing the best aperture value for specific shots....
10) Light meters
11) Printer calibration
12) Portrait photography - Composition, DOF etc
13) Wedding photography - *** AS A GUEST ***
14) Cloning faults using PS & PSE
Click to expand...
 
I'd possible like to tackle a few of these;
Why I shoot RAW
and /or RAW, what to do with it.
The first could be more of a discussion though. Although I could post several pictures demonstrating the limits of RAW vs JPG. Particularly white balance control. Hmm, off to have a think now.
 
Thanks. No pressure. if you feel like doing a tutorial or some other topic just say and I'll edit the list.

More topic suggestions welcome.....
 
I have posted a tutorial, do a search for 'Beauty treatment' and swap all the pages over. :thumbs:
 
Thanks for the tutorial tiler65. not sure what you mean about the pages.

Is the part2 you refer to underway?

-----

While I think of it ...We get about one new thread a day in tutorials from new members asking things like what lens should I buy or other things that don't belong there. That is the main reason the tutorials are 'moderated' ie new threads wait for me to say OK before they show up. I'm not judging them just checking they really are tutorials. So that is why a new tutorial will not show up straight away.
 
Buying your first dslr would be a good topic judging by the amount of threads asking for just that advice.
 
AliB said:
Buying your first dslr would be a good topic judging by the amount of threads asking for just that advice.
Click to expand...

Try the 'this tutorial' link in my first post ;)

edit. That's part of the problem - the tutorials have been quiet for so long nobody notices the section is there!

Anyway I digress.... keep the topics coming
 
What about a few basic technical tutorials explaining

DOF
ISO
Aperture
Shutter speed

and how these are linked/interact - This comes up constantly!!

Then something on:

1) White Balance - what it is, setting it correctly, grey cards etc etc
2) Flash photography (bouncing/colour filters/when to use etc)
3) Nikon's flash system
4) Studio lighting - how to get the correct exposure using 3 studio lights (soft boxes/brollies etc) ==== I would be really interested in this one!!
5) Product shots (getting those shots with totally white or totally black backgrounds) etc
6) Macro photography
7) Cleaning sensors
8) Cleaning lenses
9) Choosing the best aperture value for specific shots....
10) Light meters
11) Printer calibration
 
chewyuk said:
Sorry forgot to say - happy to help!
Click to expand...

I'll add filters to the list. Can I put your name down for it then?

Think I'd better wait for Cowasaki to stop editing and adding suggestions before i add those ;)
 
Sorry I keep thinking of more things.

12) Portrait photography - Composition, DOF etc
13) Wedding photography - *** AS A GUEST ***
14) Cloning faults using PS & PSE
 
15) High key and low key shooting.....
 
Thanks. up to you how you go about it. Just write it or start a thread to get help and suggestions to develop it. No time limit :)
 
I think cowasaki as got a good point, I am struggling to take in some of the basics he/she (sorry about that) as listed, the manual with the camera is not all that clear, and I have purchased several mags but they are not for the new comers, and camera clubs, most members have been at it years and are semi pros, and lets face it they don't want to go back to square one when a new member starts.
 
easylife said:
I think cowasaki as got a good point, I am struggling to take in some of the basics he/she (sorry about that) as listed, the manual with the camera is not all that clear, and I have purchased several mags but they are not for the new comers, and camera clubs, most members have been at it years and are semi pros, and lets face it they don't want to go back to square one when a new member starts.
Click to expand...

This was the point I was getting to. Most people who have been into photography for a while have an understanding of these basic principals and don't give them a thought until someone who is new to it comes along and asks then we have to explain it. I have been into photography for nearly two years and I understand the basic things but there are a few of the things in my list that I would like to know more about such as the studio lighting which I still do by trial and error.
 
I'll add the new topics later.

just wanted to bump this for the 'new posts' audience :)

More offers to write something needed ;)
 
Please do :)

I'm not familiar with the thread. the topic I listed in post 1 was purely thinking about composition and excluding filters, light and processing etc. Just wondering if this is the same topic or a broader one. I'll leave the composition one unallocated for now.
 
RobertP said:
Please do :)

I'm not familiar with the thread. the topic I listed in post 1 was purely thinking about composition and excluding filters, light and processing etc. Just wondering if this is the same topic or a broader one. I'll leave the composition one unallocated for now.
Click to expand...

I do question whether someone who needs to be taught composition is ever going to succeed, though...

But the thread I had in mind wasn't related to composition. I'm afraid I don't know how to add links to other threads but it was very recent (4 days ago?)

15/6/09 13.04 hrs.
 
Just a couple of things:

Would it be better to have a TP Training Wiki instead? I've not got a lot of experience with wikis on the whole however they are supposed to be the bee's knees when it comes to community projects like this.

Also, I don't consider myself an expert, however, if you are writing a guide and would like someone to read over it and give input please contact me via PM or Email. I used to do this sort of thing for a living so hopefully I can help out! :)

jerry12953 said:
I'm afraid I don't know how to add links to other threads but it was very recent (4 days ago?)

15/6/09 13.04 hrs.
Click to expand...

It's simple, just find the page you want, load it up and then select the web address in the address bar at the top of the browser, copy it by right clicking and selecting copy (or use CTRL+C) then paste it in your forum post (right click & paste, or CTRL=V)
 
My all means make a new thread in tutorials. Either in the processing section with the tutorial content showing in the thread or in the links section as a simple link to your site.

Thanks.
 
Would the mac tips thread be more appropriate in the tutorials section?
 
Harvey_nikon said:
Just a couple of things:

Would it be better to have a TP Training Wiki instead? I've not got a lot of experience with wikis on the whole however they are supposed to be the bee's knees when it comes to community projects like this.

Also, I don't consider myself an expert, however, if you are writing a guide and would like someone to read over it and give input please contact me via PM or Email. I used to do this sort of thing for a living so hopefully I can help out! :)
Click to expand...

I don't know much about Wikis either but we are always open to ideas if you want to look into how it could work - and work with the forum software.

The proof reading is something that can be done on the open forum when a tutorial is openly worked on rather than just typed up and posted. (see the links in my first post for an example). Appreciate the offer.
 
jerry12953 said:
During a recent thread started by Mark.Elliott, after some prompting from various people he came up with a list of pointers for successful landscape photography. It could be adapted for use as a tutorial. I'll have a go myself if you like.
Click to expand...

After posting some images on here for the first time, I realise I may not be the best person to do this. I suppose its to do with personal taste; either that or my pictures really are crap!

So, with regret, I'm going to withdraw my offer.
 
AlexW said:
Hi Robert. I'd really like to have a go at an Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO type tutorial. The Holy Trinity of exposure if you like. Cowasaki suggested it.
Click to expand...

If you do pm me because I was a third of the way through doing that one myself and I'll send you what I've done for ideas
 
I nominate Pxl8 to write a tutorial on monitor calibration and colour management. He's the don in my opinion. No need to thank me;)

I'd like someone to write a tutorial on camera movements with regards to LF cameras and tilt/shift lenses. Everything I've read about schiempflug has been written by genuis' and is obviously not meant to be understood by retarded mere mortals like me.
 
Judging by the number of queries (me included) about watermarks, how about one that allows you to make your own embossed watermark, and to save it as a brush for application? I have cracked how to make the brush, but cannot make the watermark embossed. Its driving me crazy!
 
I've used photoshop for various things over the last 5-6 years, i'm no expert, but i'd be happy to do a few tutorials which people would like to see/learn from, if I can do them that is.
 
How about something on lens compatability - crop only / full frame lenses, adaptors and compatability across manufacturers, compatability of third party lenses with newer bodies, older / mf lenses on dslrs...

Am happy to knock something out, but know nowt about Nikons :D
 
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