Category Archives: Learning

Not too shallow

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Michael Willems

I hear people say sometimes that “you cannot shoot portraits at wide open apertures”. So then how this available light portrait, shot on a full frame camera with a 50mm lens at f/1.2 (yes, f/1.2!)? Well yes, it is shallow, … Continue reading →

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Reader Question – exposure

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Michael Willems

“Use manual”, I say. Easier said that done eh? A new student asks me this: Michael – indoor, dimly light (one table lamp), ISO 200, f/3.5, shutter 2.5″. Just when I have my shutter speed set to get meter at … Continue reading →

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Start manual

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Michael Willems

Tonight I am starting new courses, teaching constantly, and this reminds me to recommend the following to you: Start using your camera in manual mode (“M”) and with auto ISO disabled. This way you set ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning | 6 Comments

Give the gift…

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Michael Willems

….of learning. Wherever you do it, learn, and encourage others around you to learn also. In photography more than in any other endeavour, you have to keep learning. And I can help. Here’s one way: buy a Seasonal Gift for … Continue reading →

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The Eyes Have It

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Michael Willems

Look: This photographer is doing what I do – she, like me, is left-eyed. Did you know we are all left- or right eyed, and left- or right-eared, just like we are left- or right-handed? For photographers this means we … Continue reading →

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Beginner’s mistake

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Michael Willems

I don’t make those, right? Of course I do – but then I fix them. At a recent talk at Seneca College I shot my “assistant-for-the-evening” Kim in a test shot, using the usual settings (ISO 400, 1/40th sec, f/4; … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning, Light, Technique | Tagged | 4 Comments

Michael’s Top Ten Dicta

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Michael Willems

Legally speaking, a Dictum is “a statement of opinion or belief considered authoritative though not binding, because of the authority of the person making it”. More generally, it is “a noteworthy statement: as (a) : a formal pronouncement of a … Continue reading →

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How to learn?

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Michael Willems

Learning is key in photography – and that learning does not stop until you die, or retire entirely from making (not taking) photos. So how do you best learn photography? I have Ten Tips that may help. Read some good … Continue reading →

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Blurry Backgrounds

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Michael Willems

If I want a sharp foreground subject with a blurred background – you have heard me say it many times, there are several ways. The reason this subject is always confusing is that it is very complicated. “Sharp focus” and … Continue reading →

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Coaching Tip and special offer

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Michael Willems

I have a tip, a bit of self-promotion, and a suggestion for you. (You wil allow me a little promotion for once, I hope – if only because it can benefit you). The tip: In addition to the schooling you take at … Continue reading →

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