August 25, 2011

I don’t post here for every Seim Effects product I come out with, but I have something new today that I’m pretty excited about. HDR and dynamic range is something I became passionate about years ago. Since then it’s become more than a “look”. It’s become a way for me to better understand and manage light on every level. I think mastering dynamic range is an everyday essential for the serious photographer. It goes deep.

People had been asking for a recorded segment on HDR for years now. And I’ve finally got a collection finished. Enter, HDR Magic. But it’s more than Basic HDR. Over 2 hours of fully downloadable HD videos where I show you how I make HDR images and manage dynamic range on more subtle levels. This is the 2nd of my video training collections (the first is Cloning Magic). I love live workshops, but there’s something to be said for watching a workshop whenever you like.

There’s lots more info on Seim Effects if you’re interested. Of course as always, you readers can use code PPS to save 15%. Head over to the HDR page for all the details and and the first video. Hope you enjoy them… Gav

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July 16, 2010

by Gavin Seim: Attempting to setup light outside with an with an umbrella, softbox, or even a lone strobe can quickly turn into a fiasco of tipping. I have a family session with over forty people this weekend, and the last thing I want to worry about was whether my lights are secure. One common method is to use sandbags, but I wanted something small, light and adaptable to keep stands from falling over. Behold the DIY quick release cords for.

Direct YouTube link.

PS. The wind was not intense on the day I made this, but I left them up all afternoon without reservation. These make a VERY stable light and they should handle heavy winds if needed. Do some tests of your own and if in doubt just add a few extra tether cords to make it as sturdy as you need. Also here is a good video on how to tie the Tautline Hitch.

Naked Elements Textures
Sponsor:

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April 22, 2010

by Jarrod Michael: We’ve all had these conversations and or arguments in the past. Just because someone can walk into Best Buy or Local Camera shop and buy a professional camera setup doesn’t mean they should. I really feel that if someone wants to be a professional anything, said person needs to seek out the right education and training. Education is different for everyone. Some people will intern under a photographer with years of experience. Some may want to go back to college or a trade school for the education.

But the point is clear, to become a professional one really needs to obtain a solid education on the subject and practice, practice, practice.  All of this takes time and effort. Sure you could go down the easy path and buy the pro camera setup and declare yourself a professional, but the chances are REAL that you could end up in similar situation as the people in this video. Now whether this is for real or not may be open for debate, but the point is. Even TV knows that photographers often get in over their head and mess things up. It’s a good reminder. At the very least the video is a good laugh. Enjoy!

Photography In Court Video

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January 23, 2010

by Gavin Seim: Most of us need a little therapy now and then. I decided it was time to stop the grueling labor and have some fun so I made this little video for the Seim Effects site. You’ll get something from this video. A laugh, a cringe or at least a little Déjà vu. If you visit the post on Seim Effects you can even download the ugly presets for free. Enjoy.

Watch on YouTube.

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September 8, 2009

by Gavin Seim: It’s amazing how much information is in files coming from today’s cameras. I do a lot of HDR photography, but I’ve also been working to bring out dynamic range on single files. I can actually pull out more tones using LR than I can in Photoshop.

Today I recorded a quick video to look at brushes masking and Luminance tools to control tones. There’s an HQ download version on Seim Effects. I’ll also be speaking on LR at the PPW Fall Conference so if you’re in the region stop by. Why am I still typing? The video explains it all.

The LIVE online Lightroom Workshop with Gavin Seim.

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