Monthly Archives: August 2011

Aspect Schmaspect?

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Michael Willems

A question I answered on another forum bears a repeat here. The photographer asked: I just had a client order an 8×10 of a picture but when I crop it in Photoshop, it goes beyond the picture. (like it only … Continue reading →

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Posted in Digital Darkroom | 2 Comments

Manual exposure

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Michael Willems

Why do we use manual exposure mode? We use manual exposure mode (“M” on the dial on top) when it is more convenient to do so than to use an automatic or semi-automatic mode – i.e. when the drawbacks are outweighed by … Continue reading →

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Posted in Technique | Tagged | Leave a comment

Zip it

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Michael Willems

Travel tip repeat: you have heard me mention bags before, but now let me get specific: when traveling in a warm climate, carry Ziploc bags. Because they close with a pretty much airtight seal. And then put the camera and lenses into those … Continue reading →

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Posted in Travel | 1 Comment

The Importance of being colourful

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Michael Willems

Colour is an interesting thing. It can help or hinder your pictures. It helps if you are using it where it is wanted; it hinders if you use it when it is not, or if you fail to use it … Continue reading →

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Posted in Light, Picture of the day, Technique | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Travel

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Michael Willems

More travel tips in the next few days – as soon as I get a chance to finish some photos. Also, a review of a Tamron 18-270mm lens, and more. Here’s a starter: Yes, I used my flash.  

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Posted in Picture of the day | Leave a comment

Flash (in the pan)

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Michael Willems

Prompted by a visit to a restaurant web site just now, a few tips for those of you who run web sites, or would like to. Perhaps to create a photo business, or to grow an existing one? Here’s Michael’s … Continue reading →

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Posted in Business | Leave a comment

Tell stories

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Michael Willems

Tell stories when making travel snaps – and that includes “background” shots. Shot sthat put the rest of your images into context. These are often close-up, “fill the frame”, even macto-type shots. Background. The “B-roll”. You’ll be amazed at how … Continue reading →

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Posted in Composition, Picture of the day, Technique | Leave a comment

Another travel tip

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Michael Willems

Another travel tip: Fill the frame. Get close to your subjects – it is not necessary to show the whole subject with all its distractions surrounding it. Get close, as in this image from a while back at the British … Continue reading →

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Posted in Composition | 3 Comments

Eyes Skyward

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Michael Willems

Want a dramatic sky? The simply do the following: Aim at the sky – fill your entire viewfinder with it. Lock your exposure, by pressing the “AE-L” button (Nikon) or “*” button (Canon). Aim down to compose the way you want. Focus on … Continue reading →

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Posted in Light, Technique | Tagged | Leave a comment

Carib

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Michael Willems

I am in the Caribbean, on the island of St Maarten, for a few hours. INcluding the pool bar, of course: But also including camera care. The moment you walk out of the hotel – bang, the camera mists up. … Continue reading →

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Posted in Technique, Travel | 2 Comments