Monthly Archives: April 2012

Light, camera, action

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Michael Willems

In an image like this, taken today, you need flash: Why? Because on a sunny day, the shadows will otherwise be harsh. And because the background needs to be darker, since that makes the colours saturated. And since, as you … Continue reading →

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Posted in Light | 6 Comments

Shows!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Michael Willems

Now that I am not doing the Imaging Show in May, let me tell you about other opportunities for you to see me. I teach at the Henrys School of Imaging – I teach most Oakville courses. I teach at Sheridan College: … Continue reading →

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Posted in Learning | 4 Comments

Come To The Show?

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Michael Willems

Alas, for the first time in years I will not be speaking at the Exposure imaging show, May 25-27 at The International Centre. You may still want to go, but alas, you will not be seeing me. Plenty of other … Continue reading →

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Posted in Learning | 2 Comments

Pricing Question

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Michael Willems

A reader today asked me this: I’ve been keeping up with your blog from time to time and have really found some great tips and information. I was wondering if you have any advice on pricing for a photo session. … Continue reading →

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Posted in Business | Leave a comment

HELP – in a good way

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Michael Willems

When I bought my pro printer, a Canon 9500, at Henry’s in Oakville, I bought the extra “HELP” (Henry’s Extended Life Plan) coverage.  And I was just reminded of how great that coverage is. I broke the printer. My fault. But guess what? Rob … Continue reading →

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Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Outdoors light, or, Umbrella RIP

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Michael Willems

I shot some model shots outdoors today, in very difficult conditions. Outdoors in varying light: often, ouch, direct bright sunlight. And very windy – up to 95 km/h gusts – which means a light stand with an umbrella, which after … Continue reading →

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Posted in Light | Tagged | Leave a comment

A reminder of why we shoot RAW

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Michael Willems

A reminder here of why we shoot RAW. Remember, RAW files are not standard and they are three times larger than a JPG. So why bother? Camera settings such as colour, colour space, white balance, sharpening, saturation and contrast  are not “applied”, they are … Continue reading →

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Posted in Digital Darkroom | Leave a comment

A good on-camera flash portrait in simple steps!

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Michael Willems

As said here before, this is not rocket science, really. Just technique. Let me illustrate with a portrait of a student in my class an hour or so ago: CAMERA – Set your camera to MANUAL mode. Select, say, 1/125th … Continue reading →

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Posted in Light | Tagged | 2 Comments

Two all-day workshops!

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Michael Willems

To my Toronto area and New York State readers… TWO new workshops just planned: CREATIVE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY in Toronto, THE ART OF SHOOTING NUDES, also in Toronto. All-day workshops in a pro Toronto studios, and you get not one but … Continue reading →

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Filling the frame

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Michael Willems

When you shoot, consider “filling the frame”. This is one of the easiest ways of simplifying. In the picture here, for instance, I used this: I used these devices: Filling the frame. Yes, you can cut off bits. Selective focus. This … Continue reading →

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Posted in Picture of the day | Leave a comment