November 20, 2008
I was a guest on this weeks Camera Dojo podcast with Kerry Garrison talking about all things HDR.
We chatted about the various techniques and tools, and I shared my techniques for HDR portraits. I just listened to myself this afternoon. It felt different being on the guest end, but it was relaxing. This won’t be in the PPS podcast feed, but If you’re interested head over the Camera Dojo and give a listen. While your at it you can drop by iTunes and subscribe to their show… Gavin
October 26, 2008
For my last recreational shoot I went down by Leavenworth for the afternoon and drove up Highway 2. The fall colors were amazing. This old pipeline bridge is now a footpath, and spans the Wenatchee river looked really cool. I got some other neat shots of the river itself so stay tune. I also found a little chipmunk friend who was busy making a dinner of some strange bugs. He started to get used to me after a few minutes, and his dining experience more important than avoiding my camera.
September 17, 2008
~ Download Gavin’s Brush Presets ~
UPDATE: These brushes no longer work properly in LR4. If you use LR2-3 download the brushes above. If you use LR4 get my new brushes.
Did you know that in Lightroom2 You can use a brush to make precise corrections, and even have brush presets ready to go to make those corrections easy.
Well I knew about LR brushes, but I had not given enough attention to them until Matt Kloskowski posted up some darken brushes, and got my mind churning on this great workflow asset.
Here’s a collection of brush presets I made for… Burn, Dodge, Color Boost, Color Drain, Skin Soft, and Detail Boost.
Remember that these don’t work the same as my Develop presets. These are for “Brush” settings. If you need to learn how to install them take a look at my Installing Lightroom Brush Presets article.
Once you get them installed you can just select the brush effect that you want, from the drop-down. Brush size and intensity are still fully controllable with the sliders, but these preset will get you going fast.
September 3, 2008
This weeks Cool Photo Product(s) Of The Week
This weeks gadget comes in various types, but you’ll find plenty of links to various options. The bottom line is that you should ABSOLUTELY have a cable release in your bag.
The release is basically a button that connects to your camera (occasionally wireless, but usually wired) that allows you to trip the shutter, and often allows you to lock it open (using Bulb mode on the camera) for long exposures. It’s also important for long exposures as you don’t have to “touch” the camera.
The lock button is invaluable for night images and if you’ve never done long exposure night photography, you owe it to yourself to try it. It’s pretty amazing what can come out of a camera after a multi-minute exposure. I’ve shot exposures to over 60 minutes with some neat results.
The release is also perfect for the portrait, commercial, or any other type of photographer; allowing you to set the camera on a pod, and shoot without leaning over it. Great for shooting while interacting a subject.
Last but not least I almost always use a release for shooting my HDR sequences because again I don’t have to touch (and thus shake) the camera. So now that you know you want one, here a few options…
Canon RS-80N3: Is what I use. It’s fits most newer Canons, has a lock, and works great. Runs about 50- on B&H
Canon TC-80N3: Is the big brother to the RS80. It runs close to 150- but offer a digital screen with a timer, This is perfect is you plan on a lot of long exposures.
Nikon MC30: This is for most of the Nikon line N90-D3 range. Again at about 50- it’s simple but effective.
Nikon MC36: This is the big brother on the Nikon side. Display, timer, and other cool functions for about 130- Again a good choice to the person who does a lot of long exposures.
Now there’s other models available, some from third parties as well, and also if you shoot other camera brands. Just search around. This is one piece if kit you should not be without.
June 17, 2008
I‘ve been writing Photoshop actions for the up coming release of the Photographer Essentials collection (title subject to change)
I‘m pretty stoked about the progress. While the Hollywood effects action have a wide range of killer effects, I felt Seim Effects needed a collection that offered clean everyday effects and production tools. This set will not be replacing Hollywood Effects at all, but rather adding to the possibilities.
One example is the new Simple Soft. I wanted a softening effects that was not over the top. Just straightforward and cool looking. Simply soft is smooth and effective, without being complex. Heres a sample of Simply Soft II. It a subtle look that makes images amazing!
I‘ve also been working with a method to make Burn and Dodging easy and non destructive, yet have it apply to all layers. I’m really happy with the effects that are going to be in this set. It’;s not a repeat of our Hollywood Effects, but a whole new addition to the Seim workflow. There’s not an official release date yet, but these actions should be out in the next couple months. Stay tunes for news, or drop me an email to be notified… Gavin
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