My Top lessons from PDN Photo Plus Expo 2010

I had the opportunity to attend various sessions at PDN Photo Plus Expo 2010 in New York City this past October.  These are my top "takeaways" from that experience (in no particular order):

• Always shoot RAW.  This wasn't news for me, but it's worth stating over and over.  RAW files are your digital negative, full of information that is otherwise lost forever.  And the capabilities of RAW processors in post allow you to do amazing things both across the entire image and (now) to subsets of an image.
• If your camera supports it, program your Autofocus to be controlled by a button independent of the shutter release - When I shoot in-studio, I'm often at the same focal distance form the subject for a number of shots in a row.  Yet every time I press the shutter release the camera attempts to refocus.  This is time wasted while the model is trying to hold a pose.  I've tried this and though it takes a little bit of time to get used to it (or in my case to remember I changed that setting in the first place), it really does improve the shooting experience.
• Don't fear high ISOs - Today's DSLR cameras and post processing software do an amazing job with noise.  Being willing to shoot at high ISOs opens up all sorts of possibilities with natural light that are otherwise ignored.  I've tried this since and agree that I don't know what I used to be so worried about.
• Shoot for accuracy (set your ISO in camera, expose properly, etc.).  Fixing things in post processing will slow down your workflow.  That time is better spent with your family.
• If you use a Stofen (or similar flash modifier), only point it straight up.  The purpose of such modifiers is to behave like a "bare bulb".
• Read up on posing tips to flatter a subject.  Small changes in posture make a big difference in how someone looks when photographed.
• Embrace Social Media - Social media is a necessity already and will become even more important as we move forward.  This means create a galaxy around your own web site, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. 
• Did I mention Always shoot RAW? ; )

Ice Skating - Dragging the Shutter

I had the opportunity to travel to New York City and (as I often do), found myself at Rockefeller Center around midnight.  I had my Panasonic Lumix GF1 with 20mm F1.7 fixed lens.  I decided to try to get the ice skaters in motion while panning the camera.  I took around 50 shots at varying shutter speeds.  No flash was used.  These are my favorites.

 

1/5 Sec, F5.6

 

1/5 Sec, F6.3

 

 1/5 Sec, F5.6

 

 

1/5 Sec, F5.6

Homemade ringlight - In Action

I'm always interested in trying new things in the studio.  I figure any photo I take using equipment I build myself adds to its "uniqueness".  Plus sometimes I can save a few bucks as well.  And when I pull this homemade ringlight out of my bag it has occasionally piqued the interest of models who think they had  "seen it all".   The image below is one of my favorites taken just with the single ringlight:

Nikon D90

1/160, F6.3

Tamron 17-50 F2.8 (48mm)

This lighting diagram illustrates the simple setup.  A ringlight is a circular light with a hole in the center that you shoot through.  When using a ringlight you typically place the model close to the background so they become encircled by a tight shadow.

 

Here is a photo of my ringlight.  It is composed of the following materials:

Microwave spatter cover (bowl)

Translucent microwave spatter cover or cutting board (top diffuser)

Empty duct tape spindle (center)

Empty duct tape spindle (top right, for strobe to shoot through)

Lots of silver duct tape to line the inside of the bowl.

Silver and/or black duct tape to hold it all together.

To use this I shine a manual strobe through the hole shown on the top right.  I trigger it from the camera using either a dedicated strobe cable or a remote trigger.  I use a camera lens that fits in the center.  And of course remember to warn the subject that it will be bright : )

 

Welcome!

Welcome!  I've been a photographer for most of my life.  Along the way I've picked up tips and tricks that I hope to share with anyone who shares this passion.  Feel free to use what you like, ignore what you don't, and contribute what you can.