Category Archives: Legal

You can do this too.

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Michael Willems

Here’s a quick portrait of Ivan, the manager of Mississauga’s Vistek store. Took about… oh, all of one minute. Here’s how. Set camera to manual exposure. Select values for Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed that will make the room go … Continue reading →

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Illegal! Illegal? Really…?

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Michael Willems

Let me start a little discussion here today. Brought on by a shoot cancelled because of “privacy reasons”, I had a discussion yesterday on an Internet pro photographer forum about photographing children. In short, this is frowned upon even when … Continue reading →

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My Flash pic is too dark!

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Michael Willems

I am using a flash and my image is too dark! What’s wrong? It could be any of several things. The top ones in this handy checklist: You are too far (especially when bouncing). Increase the ISO or open up … Continue reading →

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Demonization

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Michael Willems

Society’s demonization of photography continues. As a photographer, I am more than a little bothered by this. Take this example. My son’s school just sent a press release email to all parents. It read, in part: Dear Parents/Guardians, The Halton Regional Police Service has … Continue reading →

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Auto ISO

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Michael Willems

When you are using “auto ISO”, meaning the camera sets ISO for you, be careful. In this mode, the camera will raise ISO and lower it – but it will get it wrong in some situations. Low light. The camera … Continue reading →

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Copyright or copywrong?

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Michael Willems

A word about business, today on Speedlighter.ca. About contracts and rights, specifically. Copyright. I am not a lawyer, but as a photographer, I feel that “copyright” is an important concept. For most shoots, the photographer retains the copyright of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Legal | Tagged | 5 Comments

Smiiile!

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Michael Willems

OK, so – no, don’t ever say that to a subject. The command “smile” is like saying “look weird”, “look unnatural”, “assume a pose”. And not only to young children. Instead, tell stories, say something funny, get the subject to … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, Light | Tagged , | 7 Comments

A quick flash tip

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Michael Willems

One of the things you may wish to do this festive season is use off-camera TTL flash. I.e. holding the camera in your right hand and the flash elsewhere – for instance in your left hand (or your other fight … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Legal, Light | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

See me…. hear meheeee….

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Michael Willems

OK, sorry for the “Tommy” reference above. I am inviting people to see me and hear me, though perhaps not necessarily to touch or feel me. As most of you know, I teach. Everything from one-on-one classes to small groups … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | 2 Comments

MUA? What MUA?

Posted on July 24, 2010 by Michael Willems

Why do photographers need a make-up artist (a “MUA”) at a shoot? What does a make-up artist do? I thought that might be worth a few words today. First of all, a make-up artist does make-up. D’oh. Make-up is important … Continue reading →

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