This year one of my goals is to be a better photographer. I find myself constantly looking at photos and asking questions in order to learn new tips and tricks to help me improve. I assume that I am not the only one who wants to be better at photography. I have asked our designers some advice. Today Erin is going to share her knowledge with us. Read her answers to my photography Q&A below.
What kind of camera do you have? Cannon EOS 10D
Where do you like to get your photo developed? For my albums, I usually print them myself. My printer is an HP Deskjet 6890 and I like Ilford Premium Pearl paper. If I have something really large to print or need something on filterboard, then I go to Adtech Photo Lab (in the San Antonia area only).
Share one of your favorite Photoshop tips with us. I adjust the curves in Photoshop on every photo that I take. I love to play around with the curves feature because you get really great contrast with it!
In Photoshop go under Image<Adjustments<Curves
- On the new screen that pops up, you will see 3 eye-droppers towards the lower right corner. Select the white eye-dropper and use that to set your white point. Find something in your photo that should be WHITE-the whitest white.
- Use your eye-dropper to click on that portion of your photo and it will automatically adjust the color.
- Then select the black eye-dropper and use that to set your black point. Find something in your photo that should be the darkest black point-like the pupils of someone's eye. Use your eye-dropper to click on that portion of your photo and it will automatically adjust the color.
What lens do you have? Which is your favorite and why? I have Canon EF 50mm 1:1.4 ultrasonic, a Canon Zoom EF 17-40mm 1.4 USM, and a Canon Zoom EF 35-300 1.4-5.6. My favorite by far is the fixed focal lenth 50mm! It's great for portraits and I love to add a 3x macro filter on it to get my detail shots.
What are some of your favorite photography websites? I don't really surf any sites for photo tips, but I would if I had time. If I have a photo shoot coming up on a particular subject (maternity, for example), then I may do a quick search on google to get ideas. I do ALWAYS check msn’s “the week in pictures”. I love that feature. I always try to vote for a favorite, too. :o) Another site I check when I have time is this one. They have interactive photo essays that I love. Very touching and a lot make me cry.
What is your favorite camera accessory that you own? My circular polarizer...it turns my world into blue skie and big, white puffy clouds.
Any favorite books that you can recommend for people learning about photography or Photoshop? Nothing beats Scott Kelby's books on learning about Photoshop. Hands down, he is the best.
Show us one of your favorite photos that you have taken. I particularly love kids and how they have a knack for letting you know when they're *done with the camera*. Having said that, this photo makes me laough. Anything that stirs my emotions is good.
If anyone in the San Antonio area is interested in an on-location photo shoot, you can email Erin at: etintexas@yahoo.com.
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