Quick Tip : Guide Numbers and Watt Seconds

Quick Tip : Guide Numbers and Watt Seconds

There is always confusion about the relationship between Guide Number and Watt Seconds (joules) when  talking about flash.  In this Quick Tips video, I try to provide some education on the differences and why you might use this information when making a flash purchase.

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Become a Better Photographer with a Handheld Light Meter

Become a Better Photographer with a Handheld Light Meter

We all want to improve as photographers.  And, the cameras that we have available to us today, provide services unimaginable twenty years ago to help us do so.  But as with all things, there are multiple perspectives to a view, and I've learned through experience, that with advanced automation has come a loss in understanding of how to meter shots effectively.  Time to think more clearly about metering.

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2018 Creative Resolutions

2018 Creative Resolutions

A lot of New Year's resolutions are less resolution and more wishful thinking.  At least many of mine have been in the past.  But I make the effort each year, sometimes later deciding that I no longer want to go that route, sometimes dropping the resolution entirely and sometimes fulfilling it.  Makes me human, I suppose.  Excuses and defences aside for the past, here's what I am looking to do from a creative perspective in 2018.  Perhaps one or more may inspire you.

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All About Noise

All About Noise

As you may know, I provide support and moderation on some different photography forums, and as often comes around, the subject of grain and noise has appeared again, and as is common, the subject is accompanied by an ocean going freighter filled with bullcrap, pseudo science and completely wrong so-called "facts".

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What Constitutes Success?

What Constitutes Success?

On Sunday of the past weekend, I was a guest instructor on a photo day trip.  It was attended by lots of very nice people, with the expected variance in experience and confidence.  I noticed a few consistencies that I found a bit disappointing that I wanted to share with the membership because they are destructive and completely invalid.

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Understanding File Sizes

Understanding File Sizes

Why Are File Sizes Different From Camera to Camera and from JPEG to RAW?  Let's start with a couple of example cameras for which I have either owned or done quick looks.

  • Canon 5D Mark II delivers 21.1 megapixels on a full frame sensor
  • Canon 5D Mark IV delivers 30.4 megapixels on a full frame sensor
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The Photo Video Guy Guide to Exposing to the Right - ETTR

The Photo Video Guy Guide to Exposing to the Right - ETTR

Exposing to the right is a process to maximize the data that is captured in your images.  It is a workflow process best suited to shooting in RAW with the understanding that some post processing will be required.  It also gives you more latitude than your default exposure will deliver in most all cases.

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Clearing Up the Fog Around ppi, dpi and Printing Services

Clearing Up the Fog Around ppi, dpi and Printing Services

It'stime to review the concepts of this subject again.  When it comes time to make photos ready for print there remains a lot of misinformation that's causing frustration amongst photographers.

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Shooting in Manual Does Not Make You a Better Photographer

Shooting in Manual Does Not Make You a Better Photographer

Fair warning.  This is a rant.  A rant against stupidity being perpetrated against photographers everywhere.  Sadly, because so many creatives actually believe this load of fertilizer to be true, they become frustrated, discouraged and otherwise disconnected because of the volume of images that get made that aren't any good.

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My Day With Peter Hurley

My Day With Peter Hurley

On March 24th, 2016 I got to spend the day with Peter Hurley.  Thousands of people have done so in classes and workshops, and I count myself as fortunate for having done so, but yesterday was different and special.  Peter was in Toronto to deliver his Illuminating the Face workshop presented by Henry's Learning Labs, and I had the honour and pleasure to both introduce Peter to the attendees and to help with the setup and assist him over the course of the day.  It was really quite amazing.

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