Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Learning Lightroom: Basic and Essential
Preamble
I learnt Lightroom (or any other program) intuitively i.e. by trial-and-error: trying out the software, do one thing and see what happens, then do another and again watch what happens. Then repeating the process over and over again until I'm comfortable with the software to start using it productively. Many of us do that, don't we? Because who reads operating manuals nowadays? *grin*
When I hit a brick wall I would turn to the Net for answers and how-to's. Where would we be without the Net today? *grin*
Sometimes the info is available on forums or articles. But more often than not I quickly found they provide information that is not entirely related to my search query. I also found there are some basic info that shortened my learning curve. Which were not immediately apparent or self-evident. Such as "What is the purpose of a Lightroom Collection?" Or "How does one set up a Target Collection under the Develop Module?"
As someone who has gone through the learning process I hope to make it less of a hassle or pain for learning Lightroom by providing answers here on questions that confound the first-time user. However, instead of rehashing info that might already be available on the Net, I decided to save time and locate well-written and clearly articulated articles that provide real information. I will write only when I could not locate such info on the Net. I will also not talk about basic basics e.g. importance of backups of your photos, etc. Hence for some users they might not find answers to their questions here. My hope is that many will find the basic essential knowledge provided useful to them.
Preliminaries
Before you import your photos into Lightroom, you should organize your photo collection(s) on your PC hard disk. For instance, I organize my photos as follows:
From Camera -> PC Hard Disk -> Directory -> Folder: Photos -> Sub-folder: Client or Personal (i.e. main subject e.g. client: Shane-Alyssa -> not by date or camera or lens etc as such info are already captured in the photo EXIF metadata. Sub-folders under "Personal" could be Personal i.e. immediate family, Family (siblings and relatives), Friends, Birthday (temporary) and so on. Temporary folders allow me to have in one folder all the photos taken during an event. Weeks after the event, when relatives and friends have seen the photos
My file structure
Spend some time thinking through the filing system and structure, especially the name of the main subject folder. Having an organized file system helps to search and locate photos later. When deciding the name of the main subject, other possibilities came to mind: Date, Camera Name, Places, Cities, Landscapes, Pets, Macro, etc. Since these words could be keyword'ed or entered in metadata during the import into Lightroom, I dropped those in favor of "Client" and "Personal" as these 2 subjects are usually my main interests.
Basic Lessons
Following are the basic lessons I went through on learning Lightroom 4-beta. Bear that in mind as the informational videos below precede LR4 and some things have changed in LR4.
Why create a Collection?
Difference between a Regular and Smart Collection
Basic considerations: Importing photos into Lightroom 3
Watermark Your Photos: Quick, Simple, Easy!
Creating Import Presets
Spot Removal in Lightroom
..to be Continued
Basic Masking in CS5
Animated Image
Burst of Light
Crop to Fixed Ratio in PS
Quick Easy Workflow in LR - A Starting Point
I learnt Lightroom (or any other program) intuitively i.e. by trial-and-error: trying out the software, do one thing and see what happens, then do another and again watch what happens. Then repeating the process over and over again until I'm comfortable with the software to start using it productively. Many of us do that, don't we? Because who reads operating manuals nowadays? *grin*
When I hit a brick wall I would turn to the Net for answers and how-to's. Where would we be without the Net today? *grin*
Sometimes the info is available on forums or articles. But more often than not I quickly found they provide information that is not entirely related to my search query. I also found there are some basic info that shortened my learning curve. Which were not immediately apparent or self-evident. Such as "What is the purpose of a Lightroom Collection?" Or "How does one set up a Target Collection under the Develop Module?"
As someone who has gone through the learning process I hope to make it less of a hassle or pain for learning Lightroom by providing answers here on questions that confound the first-time user. However, instead of rehashing info that might already be available on the Net, I decided to save time and locate well-written and clearly articulated articles that provide real information. I will write only when I could not locate such info on the Net. I will also not talk about basic basics e.g. importance of backups of your photos, etc. Hence for some users they might not find answers to their questions here. My hope is that many will find the basic essential knowledge provided useful to them.
Preliminaries
Before you import your photos into Lightroom, you should organize your photo collection(s) on your PC hard disk. For instance, I organize my photos as follows:
From Camera -> PC Hard Disk -> Directory -> Folder: Photos -> Sub-folder: Client or Personal (i.e. main subject e.g. client: Shane-Alyssa -> not by date or camera or lens etc as such info are already captured in the photo EXIF metadata. Sub-folders under "Personal" could be Personal i.e. immediate family, Family (siblings and relatives), Friends, Birthday (temporary) and so on. Temporary folders allow me to have in one folder all the photos taken during an event. Weeks after the event, when relatives and friends have seen the photos
My file structure
Spend some time thinking through the filing system and structure, especially the name of the main subject folder. Having an organized file system helps to search and locate photos later. When deciding the name of the main subject, other possibilities came to mind: Date, Camera Name, Places, Cities, Landscapes, Pets, Macro, etc. Since these words could be keyword'ed or entered in metadata during the import into Lightroom, I dropped those in favor of "Client" and "Personal" as these 2 subjects are usually my main interests.
Basic Lessons
Following are the basic lessons I went through on learning Lightroom 4-beta. Bear that in mind as the informational videos below precede LR4 and some things have changed in LR4.
Why create a Collection?
Difference between a Regular and Smart Collection
Basic considerations: Importing photos into Lightroom 3
Watermark Your Photos: Quick, Simple, Easy!
Creating Import Presets
Spot Removal in Lightroom
..to be Continued
Basic Masking in CS5
Animated Image
Burst of Light
Crop to Fixed Ratio in PS
Quick Easy Workflow in LR - A Starting Point
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Adobe Lightroom 4 Beta Preview
Adobe has finally done it! Yes, it has bundled a book-making module inside the Lightroom package. That makes LR4 extremely productive and efficient for wedding photographers and will persuade many to switch to Lightroom from PSCS5. Wow !!
Monday, January 9, 2012
The One
Today is 9-Jan-2011, barely a few days after 6-Jan-2011, the date Nikon launched the D4, its latest and greatest camera. I could title the post 'D4' or something like that to cash-in on the widespread excitment and interest in the D4 launch. But that would be pretentious and falsely enticing readers to this blog simply to increase pageviews, etc. Hence the post title, a tribute to a truly great camera - but without any allusion to Nikon! I have nothing to add to what's already available on Youtube. Plus obviously I don't have any hands-on experience to tell! So why then embed the D4 promotional vid? Because, folks, Nikon has finally nailed the competition with this one! The D4 is undisputedly the One to get and own! The quality of the videos captured by the D4 is simply Astounding! It is what clinches it for me this time! So this post gathers all the vital info relating to the D4, all in one convenient place! I do the searches so you don't have to!
For more detailed information on the production of "WHY" & "HOW of WHY" and the Nikon D4, check out our blog and the Nikon Professional Services Global site.
http://news.coreyrich.com/
http://nps.nikonimaging.com/movie_shooting_guide/UPDATE: 01-02-12
Did you also know that the XQD can store up tp a massive of 2 terabytes? Wow, that surely would one day be used on laptops. ultrabooks, etc and yes, the Modular PC - made possible by Intel's new innovation Thunderbolt technology! The following article is an excellent read on the new Sony storage format for digital cameras employed in the D4: Sony XQD card in Nikon D4
For more detailed information on the production of "WHY" & "HOW of WHY" and the Nikon D4, check out our blog and the Nikon Professional Services Global site.
http://news.coreyrich.com/
http://nps.nikonimaging.com/movie_shooting_guide/UPDATE: 01-02-12
Did you also know that the XQD can store up tp a massive of 2 terabytes? Wow, that surely would one day be used on laptops. ultrabooks, etc and yes, the Modular PC - made possible by Intel's new innovation Thunderbolt technology! The following article is an excellent read on the new Sony storage format for digital cameras employed in the D4: Sony XQD card in Nikon D4
Pro Secrets: Macro Photography
Taking Great Insect Photos
Shutter Speed in Macro Photography
Storytelling in Macro Photography
Shutter Speed in Macro Photography
Storytelling in Macro Photography
Pro Secrets: Photoshop & Lightroom
Good Interesting How-To Articles
Using LR4 Retouching Presets
Character & Symbol Codes
Windows: Alt Key Numeric Codes
PS Retouching Workflow by Joey L.
Layer Masks in Photoshop
Videos
Textures Overlay
Color Correction in Camera Raw
Retouching Eyes and Teeth
Portrait and Beauty Retouching
Julieanne Kost
Using LR4 Retouching Presets
Character & Symbol Codes
Windows: Alt Key Numeric Codes
PS Retouching Workflow by Joey L.
Layer Masks in Photoshop
Videos
Textures Overlay
Color Correction in Camera Raw
Retouching Eyes and Teeth
Portrait and Beauty Retouching
Julieanne Kost
Pro Secrets: Basic Concepts
ARTICLES
1 - What is Photojournalism?
Most photographers here loosely use the term wedding photojournalism to describe their style of shooting weddings in a natural way - unrehearsed, unposed, unplanned, waiting for the moment. Yes, partially correct but certainly not totally correct usage and application of the concept. This pro describes her photojournalistic approach in the context of a portrait shoot. I believe that is the correct interpretation of the term.
Here's the read: Achieve perfect portrait expression
2 - What does it take to be a * real * photographer?
Before you take the plunge into full-time photography as a career choice, do you have what it takes and know the costs? Well, this photographer certainly knows and is a real pro! This is her cool and measured response to a public "Why do photographers charge so much?" advert put up by a bride-to-be. She also reveals what she does daily to earn her keep and what the job entails. We all can admire her integrity, drive, passion. Wannabe pros - heed the invaluable insights she provided!
3 - Workflow for Digital Imaging Post-Processing
VIDEOS
After weeks of exhaustive search these are the better ones from the heaps and tons of videos *sigh* regurgitated by Google Search. It is an on-going, continual search for good, watchable videos from the spam and garbage that is ubiquitous on the Net. Enjoy these vids!
1 - Workflow
2 - Working from Home as a Pro Photographer
3 - Photo Composition
4 - Multimedia Storytelling by Bob Kris
5 - Visual Design of a Photograph
6 - Depth of Field Explained
7 - How to Use Your Lens Angle of View
8 - Awesome! A top fashion photographer explains
1 - What is Photojournalism?
Most photographers here loosely use the term wedding photojournalism to describe their style of shooting weddings in a natural way - unrehearsed, unposed, unplanned, waiting for the moment. Yes, partially correct but certainly not totally correct usage and application of the concept. This pro describes her photojournalistic approach in the context of a portrait shoot. I believe that is the correct interpretation of the term.
Here's the read: Achieve perfect portrait expression
2 - What does it take to be a * real * photographer?
Before you take the plunge into full-time photography as a career choice, do you have what it takes and know the costs? Well, this photographer certainly knows and is a real pro! This is her cool and measured response to a public "Why do photographers charge so much?" advert put up by a bride-to-be. She also reveals what she does daily to earn her keep and what the job entails. We all can admire her integrity, drive, passion. Wannabe pros - heed the invaluable insights she provided!
3 - Workflow for Digital Imaging Post-Processing
VIDEOS
After weeks of exhaustive search these are the better ones from the heaps and tons of videos *sigh* regurgitated by Google Search. It is an on-going, continual search for good, watchable videos from the spam and garbage that is ubiquitous on the Net. Enjoy these vids!
1 - Workflow
2 - Working from Home as a Pro Photographer
3 - Photo Composition
4 - Multimedia Storytelling by Bob Kris
5 - Visual Design of a Photograph
6 - Depth of Field Explained
7 - How to Use Your Lens Angle of View
8 - Awesome! A top fashion photographer explains
Pro Secrets: Speedlight & Studio Lighting
Posing and Lighting with Bambi Cantrell
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 1
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 2
Studio Lighting Essentials
Lighting Persona
High Speed Photography
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 1
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 2
Studio Lighting Essentials
Lighting Persona
High Speed Photography
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Excellent Vids
The videos listed hereunder are very useful - you get distilled knowledge, rare quality experience that you'll probably never get (and learn from), plus it's all watchable in the comfort of your home!
GENERAL
Interview with Ramit Sethi
BASIC CONCEPTS
Workflow
Working from Home as a Pro Photographer
Photo Composition
Multimedia Storytelling by Bob Kris
Visual Design of a Photograph
Depth of Field Explained
How to Use Your Lens Angle of View
CAMERA & GEAR
Packing Your Camera Gear
Choosing a Good Tripod
What to Look for in a Tripod
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Tips for Taking Great Insect Photos
Critical Shutter Speed in Macro Photography
Storytelling in Macro Photography
SPEEDLIGHT & STUDIO LIGHTING
Posing and Lighting with Bambi Cantrell
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 1
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 2
Studio Lighting Essentials
Lighting Persona
High Speed Photography
WEDDING
Wedding Photography Lesson
PHOTOSHOP
Textures Overlay
Color Correction in Camera Raw
Retouching Eyes and Teeth
Portrait and Beauty Retouching
Excellent Reads
Learn Secrets of Wedding Album Design
A Lightroom Post Production Walk Through: Venice
Silent Marketing Tips for Photographers
GENERAL
Interview with Ramit Sethi
BASIC CONCEPTS
Workflow
Working from Home as a Pro Photographer
Photo Composition
Multimedia Storytelling by Bob Kris
Visual Design of a Photograph
Depth of Field Explained
How to Use Your Lens Angle of View
CAMERA & GEAR
Packing Your Camera Gear
Choosing a Good Tripod
What to Look for in a Tripod
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Tips for Taking Great Insect Photos
Critical Shutter Speed in Macro Photography
Storytelling in Macro Photography
SPEEDLIGHT & STUDIO LIGHTING
Posing and Lighting with Bambi Cantrell
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 1
Studio Lighting with Zack Arias 2
Studio Lighting Essentials
Lighting Persona
High Speed Photography
WEDDING
Wedding Photography Lesson
PHOTOSHOP
Textures Overlay
Color Correction in Camera Raw
Retouching Eyes and Teeth
Portrait and Beauty Retouching
Excellent Reads
Learn Secrets of Wedding Album Design
A Lightroom Post Production Walk Through: Venice
Silent Marketing Tips for Photographers
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