White Balance
Auto, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, Florescent, Daylight, Flash, Underwater, Custom, and Kalvin; these are the main White Balance options you will find in most DSLR’s today. Photography is a wonderful tool but cameras are only able to operate based on algorithms and numeric values. Unlike our eyes and brain function, a camera is an unbiased interpretation to light color and how it is reflected off a given surface. Before I go off into the depths of mathematics I don’t understand or mislead those of you reading this. Know these few things about white balance: White balance is a color corrective setting with the goal of making sure white stays white, greens look green, and blues are true blues. The human eye is advanced and couple this with the brain you have a complexly engineered ability to compensate for distorted colors within a given scene. White balance is mostly designed as a corrective tool to untangle the cameras unbiased view of color temperature on the Kalvin scale. A typical mid-level or pro DSLR can run from about 2500K to 10000K. My Olympus can go as low as 2000K and as high as 14000K. What if you want to emphasis certain colors in an image? Using cloudy can warm up a scene. Using daylight or flash white balance can cool it down. I am a big proponent of getting it right in camera but sometimes we end up with happy accidents. Say you are photographing a landscape and you were to change up the white balance to see how it looks rather than holding off until the post production… you may just be surprised at what stands out to you once the colors shift. This could inspire you to recompose and begin making a whole new image. That you can’t do when you are in post.
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“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” We have heard that one before. It may have been a co-worker, a family member, a friend, or even today on this podcast, but we hear that and often do little with it. There is a lot to be said about how people perceive you vs. what they know about you. I come from an upbringing that teaches to not pass judgement. However, and sadly, we all seem to do so. That should be an indicator that we are also being judged. It isn’t a good thing most of the time but it exists, and we should prepare to succeed because of it rather than wallow in our fear that others opinions will affect us negatively. This is where we have all of the control. Our appearance is a major reflection on our personalities and act as an indicator of our knowledge and ability as well. I would love to live in a world where this didn’t matter but I know when I have students show up in a hoodie and sweat pants I am not expecting much from them today and sure enough I spot them drifting off or hiding their phone trying to text the whole class. Carelessness is a lifestyle and we tend to have a snow ball effect from that.
FIGHT this! We have the power to change and we also have the power to rise above that which we once were. If any of you follow me on twitter you will see the majority of my tweets contain #success, #perseverance, #business, and #photography. I want that reminder to be there for anyone and everyone who comes across my tweets. In the event someone decides to step up their own game as a result of it I am rising to the occasion by having tweeted that reminder.
No joke, I kind of free versed this writing here. The post hardly reflects the episode but I apparently needed to get a slew of thoughts on paper after having recorded and edited my episode today. The combination of the two makes for an interesting blogcast.
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2015 © Take&TalkPic
Whats In My Bag
Last week I went over my Backup/travel lens... the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II and this week's What"s In My Bag episode is about the final zoom lens in my bag but it is also the newest lens added to my kit. Lastly, this lens is replacing that 18-200mm. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens. I really dive into why this lens is being added to my bag and a few reasons why it is replacing the 18-200mm. I rate this lens at 5 stars for the value. The price for what you get and the many functions it can be used for are amazing. I don't consider it a pro level lens but more so a transition lens. For those of you who are ready for the heavy glass and want the faster lenses, take a look at what you are able to invest for new gear and consider the difference in cost when you are searching. If you are on a tight budget but you are ready for a leap ahead in your lens quality something like this 24-120mm f/4 is perfect.
Check out how Vibration Reduction really works!
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Metering Modes
Today’s Photo Talk is about metering modes. Specifically the light meter in your camera. I touch upon the different modes you probably have in your camera and the function of them. Listen carefully because this one is tough to grasp at first. I don’t believe I fully understood how metering worked during the first couple years of my own photography. I understood the idea and the process but not why the meter does what it does and how to outsmart the meter with an in-depth understanding of its function. In short I like to use the phrase “your camera meter is lying to you.” Basically your meter wants everything to be a perfect middle gray, or neutral gray. In film we referred to that tone as 18% gray. In digital we can see this as 128R, 128G, and 128B (128 RGB) dead center on each color channel but lacking all saturation. I speak quickly on this because it is second nature for me now but it wasn’t always that way. I also talk about the zone system developed by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer. A bit confusing stuff but very helpful to know about. I strongly suggest brushing up on your photo history and learning about the zone system. Furthermore I highlight my go to metering mode. Every photographer has one I just explain why I choose the one I do. Hint: it is based on knowing the zone system in greater detail. The mode I use most often lets me take what the camera suggests (lies), my years of practice, the previsualization to know how a scene works, as well as my gear, and capture near perfect exposure every time. Just I have said on the show before, it is about finding your systems and putting them in place to better your productivity. This is just another system for when I release the shutter. I go in detail on my specific process back in Episode 081 and you can download the free pdf on How To Meter In Ambient Light When You Don’t Know How To Meter.
Happy Shooting!
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Profit Margin
There are countless resources out there on the topic of profit margin. Just search Google and be instantly overwhelmed with 1 million great ideas to increase your profit margin. If I had to break it down into three parts I could easily do so. I am the kind of person that often only uses logic in many aspects of my life and when it comes to your profit margin I don’t change one bit. There are a lot of thing to think about within each of my three main points but definitely worth a quick read. At the very least worth a listen, maybe even twice.
- Look at your current profit margins
- What do you make from each job
- What do you pay out for each job
- What is it to pay yourself for each portion of every job
- Things you must have to do the job well
- Things you may be spending more than you need on
- Account for waste
- See the gross profit margin
- And prepare for change
- Cut costs
- Anywhere and everywhere you can cut cost, Do It!
- Save $5 a month on your internet service provider
- Eliminate your land line and go completely mobile
- Split a product with a fellow photographer
- Drink more water and less soda and beer – ANYTHING!!!
- Raise prices
- Be firm on your price
- If you take a cash discount that can help the sale
- Eliminate any specials/coupons
- Do not fold back to your old pricing to book a gig
Conserve your marketing budget!
Only use what you know works for you
Increase productivity!
You or an employee – make more of an effort to produce more from your time
Reevaluate often!
Happy Shooting!
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Whats In My Bag part 5
First of all I need to apologize (I think) for the almost annoying excitement in my voice. I was just kicking but that day and getting way more work than usual done and I sound goofy from all the energy pumping through my veins. Part 5 of the What's In My Bag sequence was supposed to wrap up my zoom lenses until I just recently made a new purchase. We'll get there next week though. For now I wanted to go over my AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II, try saying that 3 times fast... Even once is hard enough. I break down the focal length range on this bad boy and address that f3.5-5.6 deal. I know many of you are seeing that same kind of f-stop listed for lenses you own or may want to own, but you must hear this episode before you make any new lens purchase. Lastly, I touch upon the DX or crop factor proprietary feature of this lens. If you want to know more about sensor size and how that works you can always listen to episode 146 Sensor Size.
Happy Shooting!
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Correct Aperture
Is there really such a thing as Correct Aperture? It all depends. When I first got the inspiration to make this an episode I was browsing through my news feed on facebook and I saw a post from a wedding photographer asking why her image still seems to be out of focus even though she made sure have a faster shutter speed and as low of an ISO as she could allow. Listen as I dissect the exposure and things to think about when it comes to Aperture. I wanted to take it a few steps further and touch upon Depth of Field and well as finding the Aperture Sweet Spot. Yes, every lens has an Aperture Sweet Spot. It is the f-stop in each lens that gives the most clear sharpness within the focal plane. One lens will differ from another and I can tell you it isn't the most closed down you can go. It seems like the large f number, and therefore greater depth of field, closed down Aperture would be the most sharp but that just isn't the case. Tune in and find out why.
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The Customer is Always Wrong
Photo World how many times have you heard "The Customer is Always Right"? As a customer of many goods and services, I can tell you I have not always been right or at least I wasn't treated like I was right. My guess is half the time I was probably wrong. Often we get stuck on the thought that we are right because we are stubborn or we just don't want to admit to being wrong. With that said, think about the other side. If you are right then the business or other person you're interacting with is wrong. So as photographers and small business owners we will deal with this transaction many times throughout our careers. I know I have felt like, and said in private, that a Customer is Wrong, but that doesn't solve anything for them or me. It took me years to let go over my own personal problems and start saying:
- Where did this go wrong
- What can I do/should do to make this right
- What can I learn from this
Photo World if you get so stuck on communication being the problem and it turns into a "I said" and "they said" match then you will not only have a difficult time resolving an issue then and there but you will also struggle to grow as a person and as a business. Sticking to our word when we promise is a must; fighting the customers word when they misunderstood is something to outgrow. It is hard to do but if you can stop the bickering and cool off, so you can collect your thoughts and come up with a solution or compromise then you will see growth in all areas of your life.
Thank you for tuning in to this edition of Take & Talk Relationships. (kidding)
The truth is we could all improve and always improve.
Happy Shooting!
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#HeyPhotoWorld
Photo World what’s a great quote or mantra you live by for your photography and business?
Quotes:
"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste." Henry Ford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Henry Ford
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." Steve Jobs
"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" Audrey Hepburn
What sparked your interest in photography enough to pursue it as a career?
Photo World think of a time where you had learned the hard way? (a learning or failure moment)
What would you consider the most important practice to your photography? (What piece from your workflow is most important?)
Photo World, admit, even if it’s embarrassing, one bad habit you would like to break.
Photo World research one thing that will lead to growth and success in your business.
Have you had an ah-ha moment during your career? What ah-ha moment are you looking out for?
Photo World during you’re your photography career so far, what is the best advice you have ever received?
Name a couple photographers you have been inspired by at some point? If you don’t have a list of a few photographers start looking. Take & Talk Pics is a great starting point with amazing photographers.
Do you have 1 parting piece of guidance?
The best way for photo world to reach you (website, twitter, instagram, facebook) be visible Photo World.
Photo World I can’t thank you enough for your time today and every day sharing in the value here on Take & Talk Pics.
I thank you and happy shooting!
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Lightroom or Photoshop
The 2 most popular photo editing software's and so many choices to make. First of all should you choose to use Lightroom, Photoshop, or both? I know photographers who only use Photoshop Elements or they are purest"s and do minor touch-ups with Picasa or none at all. Some days I feel like photo editing had ruined photography and other days I couldn't be happier that I had that there to assist my vision. Both Lightroom and Photoshop have more features than most of us photographers will ever use. I am in my 7th year in business and I know I have about 10% of Photoshop covered. Giver or take 5%. This isn't because I am not good with the software it's just that enormous of a program. Lightroom takes a few try's to get used to. On the one hand it feels like the RAW editor from Photoshop on steroids. On the other hand it has workflow that feels foreign at first. For example the need to import rather than just open, the fact that you can close the program and open later as if you never left, or the need to export the images and deal with the time consuming process that goes along with that. In short I feel that Lightroom is for batch or large volume editing (a wedding or sporting event) and Photoshop is for those individual images that require one on one attention from start to finish. As a Thank you to you Photo World I would like to give you a few of my FREE Lightroom Presets. Download, unzip, and install in your Lightroom presets.
Happy Shooting!
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Keep On Keeping On
I had the honor of attending the 6th Annual March Forth awards dinner. This was my first year in attendance and it was an amazing night. Photo World I go through life day by day and I try to do my best in business, in my relationships with family and friends, and make the right decisions in Every situation I am in. Am I a model citizen for all of you? Most likely no... I'm just a normal guy. However I find myself taking so much for granted. There are so many others out there who have it worse than I do and I still find it so easy to complain about the areas of my life that make me unhappy. My guess is you could easily say the same thing or close to it. This post nor this episode are about how we should feel bad for passing by the rest of the world while we deal with all that goes on in our own lives... No this episode is a reminder that we can do something about it. The keynote speaker for this years March Forth awards dinner was, twin brother of Ashton Kutcher, Michael Kutcher. His story was inspiring to say the least and got me thinking about how I could impact the world around me for the better.
Please take a few minutes to listen to this episode. It is brief but I think it is helpful and I still find a way to tie this all back into running a small business. Happy Shooting!
Book: How We Roll; 2 friends, 1 wheelchair and a lifetime of lessons in perseverance
Happy Shooting!
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Whats In My Bag part 4 - episode 147
Photo World I would like to continue this week's "what's in my bag" segment with the wide end of the Nikon Holly Trinity of lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED lens is the finishing touch to the three part 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm f2.8 zoom lenses. There are no rules stating that every photographer must have these three lenses or even a zoom lens at all. In fact I know several photographers who are strictly prime lens (set focal length) photographers. I love Primes but for the majority of my photography it is important to have a range of focal lengths to work with and this Ultra-Wide 14-24mm is no exception to that desired range. Now the bulb of enormous glass projecting from the front of this lens is somewhat intimidating and looks as though you only get crazy fish-eye images from it. However that is not the case. This lens is a solid 114 degree angel of view at 14mm on an Full Frame (FX-Nikon) camera. I have a lot to say about this tack sharp beautiful lens but be prepared to know that it comes at a cost other than the financial.
Happy Shooting!
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Sensor Size
There are so many question that come up when it comes to sensor size and I could write on the subject for 10,000 words or more. It would be informative, overwhelming, and boring for the most part. Take a listen to this 20 minute episode on Sensor Sizes from FX and EF to DX and EF-S. Nikon and Canon DSLRs are the main subjects of my talk but at the very least you will be acquainted with the difference between larger and/or smaller sensors.
|
Larger Sensor |
Smaller Sensor |
|
Higher Resolution |
Lower Resolution |
|
Better Low Light Performance |
Poorer Low Light Performance |
|
Better Dynamic Range |
Poorer Dynamic Range |
|
Shallower Depth of Field |
Longer Depth of Field |
|
Less Diffraction |
More Diffraction |
|
Reduction in Crop Factor |
Increased Crop Factor |
Diffraction: When you use a small aperture, light reaching the edges of the image sensor can only get there after passing through the small aperture and then spreading out. That spreading of light causes the light rays to hit adjacent photo sites. Essentially, this spreading causes the light to sometimes hit the wrong photo site and leads to blur.
35mm film: It is the width of the film including the sprocket holes.
Happy Shooting!
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