There is so much to learn when you are just starting out in photography. I know when I first started I had so many questions that I was afraid to ask. I thought it would be helpful to put together a Q&A using questions I have received recently via email and private message. And since I can’t post on my photography blog and not include a picture, here is a picture of my son from last week.
Now, on to the questions.
Q: “I just saw your newborn image in the basket w/the pretty sun! How did you set that up? Do you use fill flash or was it all natural light? I struggle w/clarity/crispness/cleanliness in my images. Does that make sense?”
A: All natural light. No flash or reflector. This picture was taken about an hour before sunset. The sun was starting to go down behind the trees. The backlight was soft enough that I did not need additional light on his face.
Q: “What setup do you use for your newborns? Any advice for that type of session? I want to do more newborns, but wow I have the hardest time w/them!!!!”
A: I use one light inside a giant softbox and a reflector opposite my light. My advice would be to bring a beanbag, a space heater and lots of patience. Ask mom to feed baby before you get there. Don’t worry too much about getting baby into a specific pose or switching out lots of hats and blankets. Many times that can irritate them more than anything. Just take your time and have fun!
Q: “I was admiring your beautiful website and noticed that your images are not overly processed. Did you teach yourself Photoshop or take any classes that you could recommend. I prefer to “get it right” in the camera, but sometimes Photoshop would come in handy. I have it, but have rarely used it and would like to familiarize myself with it. Thanks in advance for any help you could give.”
A: I learned Photoshop by reading tutorials online and by trial and error. There are many great online forums geared towards photography that can help too.
Q: “How do you get those perfect beautiful silhouette images? What kind of processing do you have to do to get the end result?”
A: For my silhouette pictures, I expose for the sky behind my subject. I like to get really low to the ground to get as much of the sky in the picture as possible. I also like to eliminate as much of the ground as possible so the subject’s feet and legs don’t get lost in the blackness. This usually means I am lying on the ground and covered in stickers when I am done.
To process my silhouette pictures I keep it simple. In ACR I will increase my blacks and increase the color temperature for a more golden tone. In Photoshop I usually add a multiply layer. The multiply layer will darken your silhouette and give the color a boost.
Q: “I love how your pictures are crisp, clean and look naturally beautiful. Although I like the look of bright colors and actions, I am really trying to master just a beautiful picture that looks natural. And you produce just that. I am just learning Lightroom, but I can’t seem to produce images like yours. I am really excited to see that you are or were using the 40D. I have the Canon XS with a 50 mm 1.4. Do you have any suggestions for someone like me?”
A: I honestly 100% believe that proper exposure and proper focus is the key to clarity (of course, nice equipment helps too). My processing is very minimal. In ACR I will tweak color temperature and exposure. In Photoshop I will do a simple S Curve for contrast and a Levels boost to brighten the midtones. Sometimes I will add a soft light layer for contrast or a screen layer for brightening. It just depends on the picture. For outside or urban pictures I like to push the processing a little bit further.
Q: “I noticed that you were from Tyler. I reside in Texarkana and was wondering if you ever hold workshops in the area. I would have no problem traveling to Tyler for something like this. I’ve not been able to find any good workshops in our area but think I would benefit from something hands on.”
A: I have really been considering this. I will probably offer a 1 on 1 mentorship rather than a workshop though. Look for an announcement in the near future.
Q: What are your favorite actions for Photoshop?
A: Honestly, the actions I use most of the time are actions that I have made. I do have a few others that I use and love. But (for the most part) I like to hand process my images with my own processing and style. I feel like using too many actions is taking another photographer’s style and applying it to my images. One of my favorite actions I use on every image is an edge sharpening action.
Q: “I am thinking of buying a DSLR and was wondering what equipment you have?”
A: I have a Canon 40D. Most of the images on my blog were taken with the 40D and 50mm 1.4 lens. I also have the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8, Canon 100mm 2.8 macro and Canon 15mm 2.8 fisheye. But, 99% of the time my go to lens is my 50mm 1.4.
Q: “How do you get your inside pictures so well lit? I am struggling with the studio equipment.”
A: Studio lights can be very overwhelming at first. I would suggest starting with one light and a reflector. Once you feel comfortable shooting with one light, add a second light and then a third. A light meter is a MUST. I highly recommend the Sekonic L-358.
Excuses, Excuses – Tyler, TX Newborn, Child & Children’s Photographer
