Author Archive for admin – Page 2
The SCV Center for Photography is pleased to announce that Scott Robert Lim is coming to the studio to present his Off-Camera Lighting workshop on Saturday, March 12th from 1pm to 4pm. Learn Scott Robert’s amazing off camera lighting and glamor posing techniques that has turned him into an international superstar. Scott will teach his simple techniques using available light and portable strobes that will allow the photographer to create amazing images on location and almost anywhere within minutes. See how to shoot in extreme bright sun and in low light situations, how to find the best light. Discover how to maximize shooting time to create a variety of stylized images. He will also have his amazing flash and trigger systems available for purchase.
Scott’s glamor portrait techniques not only work for weddings but for any type of portraiture however we will place an emphasis on fashion and glamor photography.
SPACES ARE GOING FAST. WE ONLY HAVE SPACE FOR THE FIRST 50 PARTICIPANTS THAT RESERVE AND PAY IN ADVANCE. COST OF THIS WORKSHOP IS AN AMAZING $10. Your spot will not be reserved until payment is received. Please call me for additional information (661) 904-2092.
The Rebel T3 is a replacement for the 2.5 year old Rebel XS model, and incorporates quite a range of updates to bring the camera up to date in the company’s line. the new Rebel T3 has increased the sensor resolution to twelve megapixels. Also new in the Rebel T3 is a nine-point AF system. The Rebel T3 also now supports the latest generation SDXC cards, including the very cool Eye-Fi cards, and includes a greater selection of reduced resolution shooting options.
The Rebel T3 also has a much wider ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6,400 equivalents, an expanded +/-5 EV exposure compensation range, an adjustable Auto Lighting Optimization function, and the Highlight Tone Priority mode seen on many recent Canon DSLRs. It also adds high-def 720p movie shooting capability, HDMI video output, and a slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD display. Not all the changes are entirely positive, though. Burst shooting speed is barely changed at 3 frames per second, but burst depth falls to just 4-5 large/fine JPEG or two Raw frames.
The Rebel T3 ships with a new kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II, in a bundle priced at around US$600. This lens’ image stabilization system is said to offer a four-stop improvement. the new Rebel T3 should be in stores around March 2011.
So once you purchase that new Rebel T3, head on over to the SCV Center for Photography and sign-up for our Basic DSLR Camera workshops and we will help you get started.
It has certainly been an interesting and exciting year, and last night was one of the high points, as our image “Beauty from Behind” created by Mel Carll was awarded “2010 Image of the Year” by the Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County (PPLAC) during their January 2011 meeting. The image was created at the SCV Center for Photography studio, and has won several awards this past year, including a “Best of Show”.
It has been reported that California is phasing out conventional 100 watt incandescent light bulbs almost a year earlier that what the Federal Government has mandated. Stores in California are allowed to sell out their remaining inventory, but once they are gone, they are gone for good. You if you really like the old-school 100-watt light bulbs, you better stock up as the current inventories are expected to be gone before summer, but note that as much as 90% of the energy of the old fashion incandescent bulb is wasted as heat and not light.
The new 100 watt light bulbs are actually more energy efficient using only 77 watts to generate 100 watts of light, thus reducing energy consumption, which of course is better for the planet and our wallets.
Also note that next year California starts phasing out the 75 watt bulb and the 60 watt bulb in 2013.
When you are out on location it is very easy to get caught up in the moment of taking photos and you forget to look at your composition and what is happening within the frame.
It is very easy to miss the unwanted items within your image, so you need to check you viewfinder and make sure there is nothing in your frame that will require you to remove it in Photoshop.
Make sure your horizon is straight, as it is very easy to tilt your image is you are not using a tripod, or if you are using a tripod, that it is level. If needed, you can get a bubble level that slips onto your hotshoe to assist you getting a straight horizon.
And lastly, consider your depth of field, and the control you want with you foreground and background. It is much easier to determine this in the field and select the aperture in the field, than it is to blur an image in Photoshop.
So just be aware of what is going in your image before you snap the shutter…..
If you need additional assistance, we offer Basic and Intermediate Camera workshops at the SCV Center for Photography. See our workshop schedules for more information.
I hear so many beginning photographers that come through our workshops talk about how you need to spend thousands of dollars in order to take great pictures. But in reality, the equipment is just the vehicle that helps you create the photograph. Yes, certain cameras have different functions, or handle things better or worse, but all of the current DSLR’s give you the basic functions to take that photograph. No question, having a wider range of lenses and accessories helps, but acquire those items over time as you find what interests you and while you are learning and growing as a photographer.
So take your time in buying equipment, so that you only buy an item once. As you grow as a photographer, let your creativity tell you what equipment is necessary in capturing the photographs that move you, thus not purchasing equipment that will just sit in a camera bag.
JUST ADDED: Nik Software is providing a 1 FREE copy of their awesome software Silver Efex Pro to be given away during the Black & White workshop.
Digital Silver Imaging is providing an 11×14 Fiber Print of your image to one lucky winner as well. Also, Digital Silver Imaging is providing a 25% discount coupon to all attendees of the Black & White workshop.
So hurry on over to our January 2011 workshop page and sign up today, and just maybe you will go home with an awesome giveaway, not to mention the added knowledge gained from David in our Black & White Photography workshop on January 13, 2011.
I have been experimenting with Nik Software’s new HDR Efex Pro. I am really liking the results and the ease of use in using this new software. Nik has also incorporated the U-Point technology that is in many of their other programs, so making local adjustments instead of global adjustments is very easy.
If you are interested in purchasing the software, then head over to www.niksoftware .com and during checkout, put in the discount code of SCVPHOTOCENTER and receive a 15% discount on ALL Nik products.
Here are a few examples using the new HDR Efex Pro software:
Show your camera some love. Always clean your camera after a shoot. You take it out in to the world and ask it to capture some amazing images for you. It gets exposed to the air and wind and dirt – maybe even some sea mist. Give it some TLC afterwards by using a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the dirt and grime. When necessary, take it in to your local camera shop for a thorough cleaning – including the sensor. You can, of course, clean the sensor yourself, but this can be tricky business and cause major harm to your camera. Unless you are 100% sure of what you are doing, do not attempt this at home! Take it to a professional. When you take care of your camera, it will take care of you! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the SCV Center for Photography.