This is a collection of pieces of advice to make your everyday photos more enjoyable to look at; a little more with every post. These are only bits which do not claim to be complete, but are rather all you need to know at that moment.
I assume my readers are non-professionals who are interested in capturing their memories in the way they have experienced them, instead of how their camera device automatically suggests an output, thereby speaking of using anything from a mobile phone to an auto-set DSLR.
About the author: I am
Mareen Fischinger, a
professional photographer, living and working in Düsseldorf, Germany.
You are welcome to
ask snpsht a question! (Please check your spelling...)
If you would like to submit posts to the site, you can do so via
this form.
(Please note that I know nothing about certain camera models and do not see myself in a position to give any shopping advice.)
vb asked: What's the best way to shoot photos in the snow? Shoot in RAW and modify white balance afterwards? Overexpose? It seems like pure white snow always looks blue when I shoot it :(
With a WB at around 5200 K and -4 (green/magenta) you should be okay, but shoot in RAW!
I found the following article for you: http://www.digicamhelp.com/how-to/nature/snow/ — you can read about exposure, measuring etc.; but like the first comments say, the thing is: if you have a lot of dark areas, you might want to underexpose: in order to get your snow some texture and not have it blown out.
If you overexpose, it will be white and soft (possibly without texture), and people or other dark subjects will be lighter too.
Anonymous asked: What are the most important things to look for when buying beginner studio lighting equipment?
I would go practical and buy a mobile set at first. (That’s what I did and everybody I recommend this to likes the idea and its execution.)
There are mobile studio sets like 2 Elinchrom D-Lite (200Ws or 400Ws or mixed) with stands, softboxes, cables. I would do 400Ws, it is worth the extra amount.
I know that also other manufacturers make it, but it seems they have the best value-for-money ratio.
If you want to stock up, but a second set of two or add a lamp.
Then there are umbrellas, which are always good to have and the umbrella pole hole is a standardized size and should fit any. I buy my umbrellas at Calumet Photographic, by the house brand.
Even if you decide to aquire immobile equipment in a couple of years, you can always carry around this set in the future.
Anonymous asked: Can you give some editing tips on how you make your model's skin look flawless?
Well, first of all, the model should have good skin, I prefer to have met her or him before we do anything where a close-up is coming up. Then, the make-up artist’s work is important.
These two first factors are often forgotten, especially by beginning photographers. (Same for hair!)
After that, I use Photoshop (the Healing Brush, »J« tool) to find and clean undesired marks etc. Sometimes I mark certain areas that I soften.
That’s all! Don’t overdo it.
neonsugar asked: i'm thinking of trying to take a couple of maternity photos of myself in the bathtub, i don't really want to buy waterproof housing just for two or three photos. any suggestions on how to try this without ruining my dslr?
Maybe you can rent one?
Is the camera going to be under water?
I don’t know what camera you have, but some plastic bags might be right for this? You need to make sure they are completely clear though. It just came to me that there are companies that make water-proof camera plastic bags. You might have to do some google research here.
Why don’t you go to a pool with a friend/family member, it would look so much nicer than a small bathtub… :)
alogan asked: What are your tips for making a move into a more "professional" stage of photography? As in the best way to get started, find subjects for your photos and promote yourself/your services.
It is probably completely different for everyone!
I can only say I made my hobby to my profession, it was sliding over slowly. Subjects I photographed were friends and things and became clients, models and products.
profoundmonkey asked: Hi Mareen, I'm thinking of buying an entry-level DSLR camera, most probably the Canon 550D. Are there any accessories that in your opinion are must-haves - filters, prime lenses, other add-ons,etc? This will be my first DSLR camera, so any advice would be great!
Lenses: If you want to stick to one lens for the beginning, the standard kit lens (around 17-85 mm) should be good.
I always recommend getting the 50 mm f/1.8 made by Canon and Nikon for under 100 €/$. It is great for close portraits, for a funky bokeh and great under darker circumstances. Also, shooting with a fixed length will challenge you more to move around.
Filters: A skylight/UV/haze filter matching the diameter of your lens(es) is great against scratched glass. Imagine you bumbing into a table corner or a kid touching the fine glass surface with greasy hands. If a filter like this breaks, you can just replace it. Plus, it keeps dust away from the inside of your lens (sort of).
Card reader: Not a must, but I have found it to be a way more convenient to have a card reader via USB. It keeps you from worrying about camera connection problems, using the battery, fiddling with camera-to-computer settings and you can shoot while your other card is being read.
One more advice: Shoot in RAW format from day one. You will be so happy once you »understand« why.
Hope this helped.
If you are planning to shoot something in particular, I might have more advice.
