Monthly Archives: September 2010

Expose, experiment

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Michael Willems

As photographers, we sometimes get stuck in ruts. Like the rut that all exposures have to be “natural”, and show the world like it is. And this is a misconception. When we use fl;ash, we are showing it in an … Continue reading →

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Posted in Light, Technique | 1 Comment

Card Speed

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Michael Willems

A question I get often is “what memory card speed do I need”. The ratings are confusing and the offering even more so. So this is a good question. A reason to explain card speeds. I have explained before why … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gear | Tagged | 1 Comment

Autumn tip

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Michael Willems

A quick tip for those of you who, like me, are in the part of the world where autumn is coming. If you want beautiful fall colours, you need to keep two things in mind: Brightness. Expose properly, and when … Continue reading →

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Posted in Learning, Light, Technique | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Why do lenses cost so much?

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Michael Willems

I often hear this question: why do lenses cost so much? And why are fast lenses even more expensive? There are several very good reasons for this. Lenses contain very expensive, high-quality optical glass. The more glass, the more cost. … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gear | Tagged | 5 Comments

But.. but… it’s complicated!

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Michael Willems

Well, sometimes things need work. I often have students who ask “do I really need two lenses?”, “do I really need a reflector”, “do I really need a tripod”? “Must I really use manual”, … and so on. The other … Continue reading →

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Posted in Business, Gear, Learning, Technique | Tagged | Leave a comment

Me today

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Michael Willems

A fun pic.. me today, while Paolo, the other photographer, and me were testing the lights.

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Posted in Picture of the day | Leave a comment

Questions

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Michael Willems

Reader questions today: I was searching your blog to see if you had anything with output sharpening for printing from LR2 and did not come up with anything. I have read or been told at one point that you want … Continue reading →

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Posted in Digital Darkroom | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Portrait lenses

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Michael Willems

“What do you use for a portrait lens”, is a common question. OK. So my favourites include: 50mm f/1.4 for half-body shots (1Ds) and headshots (1D). Especially for avaialable open light portraits. 70-200 f/2.8 for flattering headshots, in big studios.  … Continue reading →

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Posted in Composition, Gear, Learning | 1 Comment

Shout it out

Posted on September 23, 2010 by Michael Willems

Or rather, perhaps you should not. I do not much like to use branded camera straps – like the Canon camera straps on my Canon cameras. First of all, much as I love all my Canon equipment, without being paid … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gear, Michael's Quick Judgment | Tagged | Leave a comment

A shoot

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Michael Willems

…from beginnning to end product is a lot of work. And seeing how others do it is very interesting. Tomorrow, I am attending an all-day session with Ivan Otis at Henry’s in Toronto. (Where I teach, as it happens… so … Continue reading →

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Posted in Business, Learning | Leave a comment