July 22, 2011

0

news, photoshop, ProPhotoShow, special effects, video, workshop

Introducing Seim Effects First Video Training Series.

Gavin's new video training collection on cloning and retouching.

This has been a long time coming and I’m really excited about it. Every time I made a video, taught a webinar, or planned a lesson. Somewhere in the back of my mind it was planning for video collections. People kept asking for them and I kept wanting to do them, but it was always daunting. I needed a plan and I needed to buckle down and make it happen.

Well it finally has and it’s in the form of my new Digital Darkroom training videos. Each video collection will o in depth on it’s topic, sharing ideas and techniques to really master it. No holds barred training that’s organized and concise. Kicking it all off is the Cloning Magic video workshop. A deep look at mastering the cloning and retouching tools that will change the way you edit and take your work to new levels. Check out the introduction and a free chapter from the complete new series right here. Enjoy… Gav

 

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March 16, 2011

3

special effects, tips, video

How to Windproof Your Lightstands. Without Sandbags.

Setting up strobes outside, especially with an with an umbrella or softbox can quickly turn into a fiasco of tipping. Not ideal when your trying to get a job done before the light changes or subjects start calling you names. I put this together last summer while planning a family session with over forty people. One common method is to use sandbags, but I wanted something small, light and adaptable. Behold, my DIY quick release light stand cords.

I left these up all afternoon without reservation. They make even portable stands VERY stable and should handle heavy winds. Do some tests of your own and if in doubt just add a few extra cords to make it as strong as you need. I found three per stand was adequate. Obviously these are not the best choice for paved surfaces, but in most situations they’re fast and effective.

Cost in only $5-10 to make a set of three and they can also be used to tether other things as well. Here’s is a good video on how to tie the Tautline Hitch. Also here’s the tent spikes I like, here’s nylon cord and here are some S hooks (you can also get them at your local hardware store). Enjoy… Gav

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July 16, 2010

0

Cool Gadgets, Gavin Seim, Lighting, PPS Photography Tips, ProPhotoShow, video

How to WindProof Your Lightstands (without sandbags):

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
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July 15, 2010

0

inspire, photoshop, special effects, tips, video

Dominate Skies & Beyond With Burn/Dodge.

by Gavin Seim: I’ve said it many times. I think Burn & Dodge is a very under appreciated tool in today’s digital world. It’s about subtlety and taking the time for precise burning and dodging once your primary effects are finished can make a world of difference in your final work. Good B&D work can separate the men from the boys when it comes to the final work.

With good b&d can draw the attention exactly where you need it, enhance dynamic range, add dimension and more. It’s all there in this simple tool. I made a quick video recently as I was working to show how I use b&d in a to take control my scene. This clip looks at skies in particular, but really it can make any image pop. I also plan to make more videos on B&D the future. There’s a lot to be learned from it.

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April 22, 2010

3

video

Photography In Court. Funnny video, Good reminder.

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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