Oh trust me I have made just about every kind of lighting equipment using house shit.
Doesn't come close to my old studio though.
I wish I could pose my model shoots but the couple of models I have aren't too keen on it. I need to get some more experience models instead of a bunch of practice shoots with friends.
You can have the shittiest camera and the world, but with a studio and model like that taking some good photos should be easy.
Edit: If you know how to control the lights, that is.
Well most if not all strobes just have an on-off switch for modeling lights which are usually 150 or 250watts. So "controlling" the lights still takes a lot of skill since you can just control the distance and the modifiers but can't control the power.
Honestly if you were really short on money and had lots of determination you could make every one of those modifiers with some stiff metal wire, white bed sheets, cardboard, and aluminum foil.
Actually most studio strobes have modelling lights that change brightness when the flash bulb brightness is changed. Otherwise why use a modelling light at all?
Actually most studio strobes have modelling lights that change brightness when the flash bulb brightness is changed. Otherwise why use a modelling light at all?
To be able to focus in dark situations.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
Actually most studio strobes have modelling lights that change brightness when the flash bulb brightness is changed. Otherwise why use a modelling light at all?
To be able to focus in dark situations.
Except of course you could just use any old light. I've never used a studio strobe that couldn't power its modelling light relative to the flash.
I kind of like the last one but I wish you had kept the sparkler more steady in some places. I'm not talking about the little wiggles on a line; I'm talking about the sudden jump from one line to the next (lower left) or the just random squiggles between the first and second line on the lower right.
Excellent use of a merry-go-round.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
I kind of like the last one but I wish you had kept the sparkler more steady in some places. I'm not talking about the little wiggles on a line; I'm talking about the sudden jump from one line to the next (lower left) or the just random squiggles between the first and second line on the lower right.
Excellent use of a merry-go-round.
Ya....was tricky finding a way to trip the shutter, light the sparkler and get the merry go round going by myself. It was fun though.
So, I'm having issues getting photoshop CS3 to recognize .cr2 (RAW) files. I've had this problem before, and remedied it following these steps. But, for some goddamn reason it's still not working.
I've auto updated directly through photoshop help menu first. That didn't work so now I've manually replaced the plugin file and it still doesn't work. Any suggestions?
I don't know specifically but I can always throw out some somewhat unhelpful suggestions.
1. reboot
2. try a different update/patch to camera raw / photoshop http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html (they are up to version 6.1 and the link you posted is for 4.6) and make sure you grab the appropriate 32bit or 64bit version.
3. reinstall photoshop and make sure you blow away any left over data after the uninstall portion.
Edit: 6.1 actually might be for cs5 so if all else fails go to help>update in PS.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
I don't know specifically but I can always throw out some somewhat unhelpful suggestions.
1. reboot
2. try a different update/patch to camera raw / photoshop http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html (they are up to version 6.1 and the link you posted is for 4.6) and make sure you grab the appropriate 32bit or 64bit version.
3. reinstall photoshop and make sure you blow away any left over data after the uninstall portion.
Edit: 6.1 actually might be for cs5 so if all else fails go to help>update in PS.
Haha thanks, yeah I've rebooted numerous times. Yeah 6.1 is for CS5, 4.6 or whatever is for CS3. I actually might need to give it a try on 64bit... that could be my problem. Thanks yo.
I have a batch of pictures I'd love some criticism on. I'd been meaning post these after I took them rather than one large post, but oh well.
Macro shots, just trying to get some neat textures:
That was frost on the underside of an ice cream containers top.
I experimented capturing rain drops hitting stuff but had a hell of a time getting things in focus, and getting the shutter fast enough. I ended up with a lot of images with too high ISO and a ton of grain. This one I cropped and liked the more abstract look of:
I went to Wekiva Springs, a local state park, and took some pictures with a new (used) lens I acquired. Full manual like most of what I have. Unfortunately everything I took was extremely soft and had a glow to it - still not sure if it's the lens itself or I did a shit job cleaning it.
To add to the "I have technical problems" discussion. My Genius 8x6 tablet works decent but sometimes the cursor freezes when moving around. It ALWAYS freezes for about 1-3 seconds when i am working in photoshop and I click on another application. I tried replacing the battery as suggested by a google search but that doesn't help.
I'm running Win7 64bit with the genius tablet software installed. Pope was it you who said you used this tablet too?
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
0
SheriResident FlufferMy Living RoomRegistered Userregular
Gafoto the canyon photos look pretty interesting but I think they could be composed quite a bit differently. To me, the gravel on the ground isn't quite as interesting as the sides of the canyon. So on the first two pictures i would pan the picture upwards more to get more of the walls or I would change to a landscape orientation. Also this would be the perfect opportunity for a really wide angle lens.
Fair enough, but the sky produces photos with a large amount of blown out areas. I have some photos with less of the canyon floor but in my opinion the photos become too busy for the eye. Example:
I would love a wider angle lens! I was pretty much keeping the kit lens pegged on 18mm all the time.
Here's a few more from Little Wild Horse with a (slightly) different approach and less gravel just for you Cow:
A couple panoramas from the drive to and through Capitol Reef National Park:
Finally a photo I got around to editing just now of Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park:
Gafoto, you might go to the opposite end of the spectrum and try using a longer lens to just capture abstract shapes these rocks make. All these curves and harsh shadows could make for some interesting photos.
Here is some polaroids I took recently. I am quite amazed at the resolving power of the camera and the ISO100 fuji film I am using, as the amount of detail captured is quite impressive.
And here is an unfortunately dusty scan, which a cropped the heck out of. I wasnt 100% happy with original framing, and I am not sure if I dig the new crop.
This one has been on my drive for the last month or so, completely forgotten until now. Had another go at that shot I posted earlier, but sticking to black and white this time. Bit of a better result, the image is a little sharper, and more detail can be seen. What I love most about it are the palm trees along the quay. I might take a closer look at them sometime.
There's nothing really commendable about it, but for the detail - it's such a busy shot. In fact, you can have a look for yourselves with the image at full resolution -
...and I thought of how all those people died, and what a good death that is. That nobody can blame you for it, because everyone else died along with you, and it is the fault of none, save those who did the killing.
Bombs I like the first image and the composition. The second has great color but it feels really cramped and narrow because the first two rows of seats are cropped (needs more landscape).
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
bombs - yeah, i like the seats, but for an effective repetition shot you need more of them. nonetheless, nice textures and colors.
I had a month long (or maybe even longer) slump where i didn't want to even touch the camera, but I feel all inspired again. I've come to expect these lulls now, happen every half a year or so.
Anyway,here's a product shot or two
I then got lazy and didn't pick out all of the specs of dust. Argh.... I have to shallow an attention span for detailed work.
Bombs: I'm a fan of both the first and the second. Really love the lines and repeated patterns on the seats.
Munin: still digging your candid type shots, really like the comp on the second one.
nO: Like the first one the best because of how well the face of the watch is lit up. More of the numbers are visible and showcases the face a bit better. I do like the patter the band makes on the second though.
Practicing some post work and playing with my strobe.... Yes I know... dog
Sheets are horrible backgrounds IMO. I think it is better to pull the subject away from whatever wall you have and then you can blur it and maybe throw a colored strobe on it / change the color in post. As for the dog the bright bright colors end too abruptly at the collar and there is some haloing around part of the collar. That is a good attempt at using PS to make a photo pop but personally I prefer a bit more subtlety. We don't want our subject to look like they came out of a twilight movie.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
Sheets are horrible backgrounds IMO. I think it is better to pull the subject away from whatever wall you have and then you can blur it and maybe throw a colored strobe on it / change the color in post. As for the dog the bright bright colors end too abruptly at the collar and there is some haloing around part of the collar. That is a good attempt at using PS to make a photo pop but personally I prefer a bit more subtlety. We don't want our subject to look like they came out of a twilight movie.
Yeah by the time I noticed the haloing on the collar, I had already saved over it (and was pretty far into editing). But, Werewolves man!!! I'm totally with you honestly, I rarely do very much post. So this was more a "do it so you know it" kinda deal. I'll try pulling them away from the wall in future endeavors, thank you sir.
nO, I actually prefer the one that you have on flickr that you didn't post here. The minor tilt on the watch in the first one throws something off for me and I think the dark spot on the face in the second is a little distracting.
Mr Obersmith on
Battle.net - Obersmith#1709
Live - MrObersmith
PSN - Obersmith
I agree with Sheri, I like the second one as it's more dramatic. First one is kind of boring to me for some reason and the one on flickr would look better as a full page portrait oriented ad in a magazine instead of being landscape oriented.
Thanks guys! Appreciate the comments. Yeah, I don't have strong feelings about either - I definitely learned a couple of things. Should have cloned the bracelet in post to make both sides symmetrical and some other stuff I read in a tutorial on watch photography.
I think the second one could use some room above the watch and a little something on the background... like a strobe shot through a grid or something. *shrug*
Thanks guys! Appreciate the comments. Yeah, I don't have strong feelings about either - I definitely learned a couple of things. Should have cloned the bracelet in post to make both sides symmetrical and some other stuff I read in a tutorial on watch photography.
This. In your second photo I like the light on the right side of the wrist band but not on the left side. Hell in the first photo the way you lit it made it look like one side of the wrist band was a completely different color.
In other news I'm trying to be as annoying as possible (not really) when talking with photographers for my wedding next year.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
0
SheriResident FlufferMy Living RoomRegistered Userregular
Oh god I immediately stopped looking at a photographer's photos and closed the tab if I saw PS lens flare or excessive use of gausian blur.
Sheri I've just been asking questions about if they use on camera flash or off camera flash/strobe at the reception, types of editing they do, how many photos they will do 'serious editing on', etc. Also commenting that I like the shallow DOF and interesting angles used in some of their pictures. I'm asking pretty generic and useful questions with just more knowledge behind them. I'm not micromanaging or anything. :P
On another note I'm freakin' out because I haven't been able to get a hold of the model in the past day or two for the shoot I was going to do tonight. le sigh.
Edit: Found another model hopefully she will be able to pose. I also found an old make up artist i've worked with before that wants to do TF work with me who now works for Wilhemina. I feel like a big boy working with someone from a major agency. Blah Blah Blah </stream of consciousness >
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
Thanks guys! Appreciate the comments. Yeah, I don't have strong feelings about either - I definitely learned a couple of things. Should have cloned the bracelet in post to make both sides symmetrical and some other stuff I read in a tutorial on watch photography.
I think the second one could use some room above the watch and a little something on the background... like a strobe shot through a grid or something. *shrug*
edit: the one i didn't post:
This one could stand to lose the top 1/10th of the frame.
saltiness on
XBL: heavenkils
0
SheriResident FlufferMy Living RoomRegistered Userregular
edited July 2010
CC, just look at their work and see how well you like it
Find someone whose work you like a whole lot
Then hire them
Saying 'Are you going to use off-camera flash' and 'I really like thin DOF' is micromanaging. If you want them to shoot it how you'd shoot it, you should just clone yourself. :P
I'm sorry but saying you like something is not micromanaging. Asking intelligent questions is not micromanaging. Saying "please use off camera flash" or "please do lots of photos with shallow DOF" IS micromanaging. There is a distinction. I said nothing like the latter nor am I planning to say anything like the latter.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
Posts
Doesn't come close to my old studio though.
I wish I could pose my model shoots but the couple of models I have aren't too keen on it. I need to get some more experience models instead of a bunch of practice shoots with friends.
Actually most studio strobes have modelling lights that change brightness when the flash bulb brightness is changed. Otherwise why use a modelling light at all?
To be able to focus in dark situations.
Except of course you could just use any old light. I've never used a studio strobe that couldn't power its modelling light relative to the flash.
Excellent use of a merry-go-round.
Ya....was tricky finding a way to trip the shutter, light the sparkler and get the merry go round going by myself. It was fun though.
I've auto updated directly through photoshop help menu first. That didn't work so now I've manually replaced the plugin file and it still doesn't work. Any suggestions?
My Portfolio Site
1. reboot
2. try a different update/patch to camera raw / photoshop http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html (they are up to version 6.1 and the link you posted is for 4.6) and make sure you grab the appropriate 32bit or 64bit version.
3. reinstall photoshop and make sure you blow away any left over data after the uninstall portion.
Edit: 6.1 actually might be for cs5 so if all else fails go to help>update in PS.
Haha thanks, yeah I've rebooted numerous times. Yeah 6.1 is for CS5, 4.6 or whatever is for CS3. I actually might need to give it a try on 64bit... that could be my problem. Thanks yo.
My Portfolio Site
Macro shots, just trying to get some neat textures:
That was frost on the underside of an ice cream containers top.
I experimented capturing rain drops hitting stuff but had a hell of a time getting things in focus, and getting the shutter fast enough. I ended up with a lot of images with too high ISO and a ton of grain. This one I cropped and liked the more abstract look of:
I went to Wekiva Springs, a local state park, and took some pictures with a new (used) lens I acquired. Full manual like most of what I have. Unfortunately everything I took was extremely soft and had a glow to it - still not sure if it's the lens itself or I did a shit job cleaning it.
And finally, fireworks:
prolonged exposure rocks
the.... Penis?
I think you may be in the wrong forum. SE++ is that way. :arrow:
I'm running Win7 64bit with the genius tablet software installed. Pope was it you who said you used this tablet too?
Hello, fellow central Floridian.
(I like the second shot :^: )
Sheri Baldwin Photography | Facebook | Twitter | Etsy Shop | BUY ME STUFF (updated for 2014!)
Fair enough, but the sky produces photos with a large amount of blown out areas. I have some photos with less of the canyon floor but in my opinion the photos become too busy for the eye. Example:
I would love a wider angle lens! I was pretty much keeping the kit lens pegged on 18mm all the time.
Here's a few more from Little Wild Horse with a (slightly) different approach and less gravel just for you Cow:
A couple panoramas from the drive to and through Capitol Reef National Park:
Finally a photo I got around to editing just now of Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park:
Here is some polaroids I took recently. I am quite amazed at the resolving power of the camera and the ISO100 fuji film I am using, as the amount of detail captured is quite impressive.
And here is an unfortunately dusty scan, which a cropped the heck out of. I wasnt 100% happy with original framing, and I am not sure if I dig the new crop.
This one has been on my drive for the last month or so, completely forgotten until now. Had another go at that shot I posted earlier, but sticking to black and white this time. Bit of a better result, the image is a little sharper, and more detail can be seen. What I love most about it are the palm trees along the quay. I might take a closer look at them sometime.
There's nothing really commendable about it, but for the detail - it's such a busy shot. In fact, you can have a look for yourselves with the image at full resolution -
Quite big
Nothing's forgotten, nothing is ever forgotten
bombs - yeah, i like the seats, but for an effective repetition shot you need more of them. nonetheless, nice textures and colors.
I had a month long (or maybe even longer) slump where i didn't want to even touch the camera, but I feel all inspired again. I've come to expect these lulls now, happen every half a year or so.
Anyway,here's a product shot or two
I then got lazy and didn't pick out all of the specs of dust. Argh.... I have to shallow an attention span for detailed work.
Munin: still digging your candid type shots, really like the comp on the second one.
nO: Like the first one the best because of how well the face of the watch is lit up. More of the numbers are visible and showcases the face a bit better. I do like the patter the band makes on the second though.
Practicing some post work and playing with my strobe.... Yes I know... dog
I need to buy some sheets to use for backgrounds.
My Portfolio Site
Yeah by the time I noticed the haloing on the collar, I had already saved over it (and was pretty far into editing). But, Werewolves man!!! I'm totally with you honestly, I rarely do very much post. So this was more a "do it so you know it" kinda deal. I'll try pulling them away from the wall in future endeavors, thank you sir.
My Portfolio Site
Puppy is pushed over the edge. Noise on fur, too.
The second one has drama
Also it looks more like a TagHeuer ad. Like, it looks like it could be one. :^:
Sheri Baldwin Photography | Facebook | Twitter | Etsy Shop | BUY ME STUFF (updated for 2014!)
Live - MrObersmith
PSN - Obersmith
I think the second one could use some room above the watch and a little something on the background... like a strobe shot through a grid or something. *shrug*
edit: the one i didn't post:
This. In your second photo I like the light on the right side of the wrist band but not on the left side. Hell in the first photo the way you lit it made it look like one side of the wrist band was a completely different color.
In other news I'm trying to be as annoying as possible (not really) when talking with photographers for my wedding next year.
Sheri Baldwin Photography | Facebook | Twitter | Etsy Shop | BUY ME STUFF (updated for 2014!)
Oh god I immediately stopped looking at a photographer's photos and closed the tab if I saw PS lens flare or excessive use of gausian blur.
Sheri I've just been asking questions about if they use on camera flash or off camera flash/strobe at the reception, types of editing they do, how many photos they will do 'serious editing on', etc. Also commenting that I like the shallow DOF and interesting angles used in some of their pictures. I'm asking pretty generic and useful questions with just more knowledge behind them. I'm not micromanaging or anything. :P
On another note I'm freakin' out because I haven't been able to get a hold of the model in the past day or two for the shoot I was going to do tonight. le sigh.
Edit: Found another model hopefully she will be able to pose. I also found an old make up artist i've worked with before that wants to do TF work with me who now works for Wilhemina. I feel like a big boy working with someone from a major agency. Blah Blah Blah </stream of consciousness >
This one could stand to lose the top 1/10th of the frame.
Find someone whose work you like a whole lot
Then hire them
Saying 'Are you going to use off-camera flash' and 'I really like thin DOF' is micromanaging. If you want them to shoot it how you'd shoot it, you should just clone yourself. :P
Sheri Baldwin Photography | Facebook | Twitter | Etsy Shop | BUY ME STUFF (updated for 2014!)