Webby962
Suspended / Banned
- Messages
- 298
- Name
- Adie
- Edit My Images
- Yes
OK, we are nearly half way through this 52 for 2011, and over the last 22 weeks I have seen a marked improvement in a lot of the photographers whom I have had the pleasure to view and critique on.
I have also noticed the same areas for improvement on some photos, and I thought I would offer a little guidance on some of the areas I have been critiquing on, hopefully to help those that want it, during the next and all subsequent themes.
So here is my workflow and guide for shooting a 52 theme. This is how I do things, and therefore is not a You must do this type thread. Im just passing on ideas for those that want them.
1st, view the theme on TP as early as possible, then go away and think about it. Lets take an example of Crushed. Think about all the things that the word can mean to you. Normally when we think of a word, we do it with images in our brain. This is a good thing. Take the images, and visualise them as photos. For example, to me, the word conjures up an image of a crushed can, or someone looking defeated, a sportsman for instance who has just lost a race. Next, think about what props you have, and then chose them according to your thoughts. So if you have empty tins of beer available, this might be a better option than trying to find a fitness model and a sports track.
Next visualise the finished photo in your mind. Think about the placement of the items, how you see it being lit. Think about the setting, background and shape of the finished photo. If youre struggling, look at advertising style photos from magazines (not photo magazines! Look at adverts in things like GQ, FHM, Vouge etc.). Also if your strapped for ideas, Google images or Flickr them. Try to deconstruct someone else work, and look at all the elements that made up that shot. Look at how a drink advert sets the scene for say a bottle of whiskey, then use this inspiration for your crushed beer can. At no point have we yet looked for a can, or even picked up the camera!
Once you have settled on a shot, gather the props, light sources and start to assemble it. Make sure everything in the shot is what you have visualised. If you visualised the can sitting on a dark rustic base, dont set it on a carpet, but look for a bit of wood, or tile, or slate etc.. If you want a plain background with no distractions, set up blank bits of paper etc behind the can.
Next, sort out your lighting. This is difficult to describe, but an understanding of how light works, and what impact it has is vital. It is not something any of us understand from the off, but something we must learn as we progress. So dont skip this, thinking it is too difficult. Work at it. Good lighting is makes a shot much better than expensive cameras, lens or even models!
If you have flash guns, use them OFF camera. The best investment you can make to your camera gear is an off camera flash gun (about £50 from fleabay) and a remote trigger (£15 - £30). This will give you limitless creative opportunity, and is very rewarding (not to mention addictive!). If you only have on board flash, think about using it with a modifier (tissue paper, mirrors, ect) to get the light to hit the subject from a different angle. If you dont have flash guns, think about using natural light, torches, but actually think about ways to direct the light. CDs make good cheap reflectors, as do compact mirrors, polystyrene ceiling tiles etc.. Always try and light your subject from angles not in line with the lens. Dont forget to light you background too, if that was visible in your vision.
If you are not using flash, and your light sources are not that powerful, lock off your camera on a tripod, and use longer exposures.
Now, the camera. If your using a DSLR, use manual mode. Go on, be brave. Step away from the auto modes and go to M!!!. Start at f8 for a sharp in focus subject and go from there. Frame up your shot and really look at EVERYTHING.
Is the subject on a third line? Check. Is the background correct? Check. Is there any foreground interest? Have I used lead-in lines? (Most people start to look at a photo from the bottom right corner, so have lead in lines to draw the viewer into the subject). Is my model looking into the frame? Have I avoided cropping limb joints? Are the key areas in focus?
This check list is not exhaustive, and it is only a guide. Once you master these thought processes, you can look at how to then break these rules! See, photography is fun, even the rules can be broken!
If you can, shoot in RAW. That way, there is no need to worry about white balance.
If you cant (or will not), then check your white balance.
Next take a shot.
Is it exposed correctly? Expose for the highlights.
Is the lighting how you envisaged it? If not, move the lighting, adjust the reflectors, change power on your flashes, add a modifier.
Reshoot.
Are you happy with the crop? Try to get as much right in camera as you can.
Reshoot with the subject on a different third line. Maybe shoot portrait then landscape.
When youre happy that you have a winning shot, download it to your PC, and look at it.
Be critical. Is it in focus and sharp where you wanted it to be? If not, reshoot!
Use your software of choice to adjust levels, maybe remove dust spots. Sharpen the image (be very careful here. I use UNSHARP MASK and I use it sparingly). Over sharpening will ruin the shot. If the shot is OOF to start with, this WILL NOT save it.
Learn a few of the basics of your software. Learn how to make selections, feather the selections, adjust levels, and if you can, make layers and layer masks.
Finally fine tune the crop and add a border. This is my rule, so ignore if you want, but I think every photo that is being presented to the public should have a border, just to give separation from the area it is in (normally a forum thread). All it needs is a simple black or white small border. Nothing fancy, with colours or fades, or imitation wood etc.. All you are trying to do is present your PHOTO, not your border creating skills!)
Upload, sit back and enjoy. Feel good. Look forward to the next theme, and enjoy trying new things to improve the shots!
I hope this is somewhat helpful to anyone who is struggling to see ways of improving, or is getting disheartened each week by the same sort of comments.
Rgds
Adie
I have also noticed the same areas for improvement on some photos, and I thought I would offer a little guidance on some of the areas I have been critiquing on, hopefully to help those that want it, during the next and all subsequent themes.
So here is my workflow and guide for shooting a 52 theme. This is how I do things, and therefore is not a You must do this type thread. Im just passing on ideas for those that want them.
1st, view the theme on TP as early as possible, then go away and think about it. Lets take an example of Crushed. Think about all the things that the word can mean to you. Normally when we think of a word, we do it with images in our brain. This is a good thing. Take the images, and visualise them as photos. For example, to me, the word conjures up an image of a crushed can, or someone looking defeated, a sportsman for instance who has just lost a race. Next, think about what props you have, and then chose them according to your thoughts. So if you have empty tins of beer available, this might be a better option than trying to find a fitness model and a sports track.
Next visualise the finished photo in your mind. Think about the placement of the items, how you see it being lit. Think about the setting, background and shape of the finished photo. If youre struggling, look at advertising style photos from magazines (not photo magazines! Look at adverts in things like GQ, FHM, Vouge etc.). Also if your strapped for ideas, Google images or Flickr them. Try to deconstruct someone else work, and look at all the elements that made up that shot. Look at how a drink advert sets the scene for say a bottle of whiskey, then use this inspiration for your crushed beer can. At no point have we yet looked for a can, or even picked up the camera!
Once you have settled on a shot, gather the props, light sources and start to assemble it. Make sure everything in the shot is what you have visualised. If you visualised the can sitting on a dark rustic base, dont set it on a carpet, but look for a bit of wood, or tile, or slate etc.. If you want a plain background with no distractions, set up blank bits of paper etc behind the can.
Next, sort out your lighting. This is difficult to describe, but an understanding of how light works, and what impact it has is vital. It is not something any of us understand from the off, but something we must learn as we progress. So dont skip this, thinking it is too difficult. Work at it. Good lighting is makes a shot much better than expensive cameras, lens or even models!
If you have flash guns, use them OFF camera. The best investment you can make to your camera gear is an off camera flash gun (about £50 from fleabay) and a remote trigger (£15 - £30). This will give you limitless creative opportunity, and is very rewarding (not to mention addictive!). If you only have on board flash, think about using it with a modifier (tissue paper, mirrors, ect) to get the light to hit the subject from a different angle. If you dont have flash guns, think about using natural light, torches, but actually think about ways to direct the light. CDs make good cheap reflectors, as do compact mirrors, polystyrene ceiling tiles etc.. Always try and light your subject from angles not in line with the lens. Dont forget to light you background too, if that was visible in your vision.
If you are not using flash, and your light sources are not that powerful, lock off your camera on a tripod, and use longer exposures.
Now, the camera. If your using a DSLR, use manual mode. Go on, be brave. Step away from the auto modes and go to M!!!. Start at f8 for a sharp in focus subject and go from there. Frame up your shot and really look at EVERYTHING.
Is the subject on a third line? Check. Is the background correct? Check. Is there any foreground interest? Have I used lead-in lines? (Most people start to look at a photo from the bottom right corner, so have lead in lines to draw the viewer into the subject). Is my model looking into the frame? Have I avoided cropping limb joints? Are the key areas in focus?
This check list is not exhaustive, and it is only a guide. Once you master these thought processes, you can look at how to then break these rules! See, photography is fun, even the rules can be broken!
If you can, shoot in RAW. That way, there is no need to worry about white balance.
If you cant (or will not), then check your white balance.
Next take a shot.
Is it exposed correctly? Expose for the highlights.
Is the lighting how you envisaged it? If not, move the lighting, adjust the reflectors, change power on your flashes, add a modifier.
Reshoot.
Are you happy with the crop? Try to get as much right in camera as you can.
Reshoot with the subject on a different third line. Maybe shoot portrait then landscape.
When youre happy that you have a winning shot, download it to your PC, and look at it.
Be critical. Is it in focus and sharp where you wanted it to be? If not, reshoot!
Use your software of choice to adjust levels, maybe remove dust spots. Sharpen the image (be very careful here. I use UNSHARP MASK and I use it sparingly). Over sharpening will ruin the shot. If the shot is OOF to start with, this WILL NOT save it.
Learn a few of the basics of your software. Learn how to make selections, feather the selections, adjust levels, and if you can, make layers and layer masks.
Finally fine tune the crop and add a border. This is my rule, so ignore if you want, but I think every photo that is being presented to the public should have a border, just to give separation from the area it is in (normally a forum thread). All it needs is a simple black or white small border. Nothing fancy, with colours or fades, or imitation wood etc.. All you are trying to do is present your PHOTO, not your border creating skills!)
Upload, sit back and enjoy. Feel good. Look forward to the next theme, and enjoy trying new things to improve the shots!
I hope this is somewhat helpful to anyone who is struggling to see ways of improving, or is getting disheartened each week by the same sort of comments.
Rgds
Adie
Thanks very much Adie. 
