tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27355137742326435952024-03-08T18:44:58.673+00:00Glyn Dewis BlogRegular ramblings about what I've been photographing and how I did it ... plus a few extra little insights :o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.comBlogger321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-52944340176533729412010-02-25T17:26:00.003+00:002010-04-06T21:42:11.214+00:00Come on over to my new 'Home'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S4afJy7yquI/AAAAAAAACTo/In-7OUhhCSY/s1600-h/GD_MOVED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S4afJy7yquI/AAAAAAAACTo/In-7OUhhCSY/s400/GD_MOVED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Real pleased to tell you that I've got a completely new and updated blog over at this <a href="http://www.glyndewisblog.com/">http://www.glyndewisblog.com</a><br />
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All the original content from here has been imported so you can always look through earlier posts but in a way I think you'll find alot easier...less clicking around, not having to click on pictures to make them larger and so on.<br />
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Check out the new website too at: <a href="http://www.glyndewis.com/">http://www.glyndewis.com</a> ... same address as before but with a whole new look and you can access the new blog from there too.<br />
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So, come on over to my new 'home' on the internet...you're always welcome!Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-57661036804315569272010-02-17T20:31:00.002+00:002010-02-18T00:19:56.842+00:00Using HDR for Interior Commercial PhotographyThere's been quite a bit of discussion online lately on blogs and forums about the use of High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography and I reckon it's fair to say that some people love it, and some people (clearly) hate it. <a href="http://bit.ly/b8R6ev">Scott Kelby</a> wrote on his blog recently asking for peoples thoughts on the subject and boy, did some people really let their thoughts be known.<br />
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I first became aware of HDR when a Photographer / Photoshop Guru by the name of <a href="http://www.whereisben.com/">Ben Willmore</a> began posting HDR images he'd put together during his ongoing journey along Route 66. He'd edited them in such a way that gave them an almost surreal, futuristic look and to be honest it was this look that I associated with HDR and never considered it's other uses...until fairly recently.<br />
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Ultimately HDR enables the photographer to produce images (when not over processed) that capture much more detail in the shadows, midtones and highlight areas and so resulting in a closer interpretation of what can been seen by the human eye:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3w8NQveBMI/AAAAAAAACTA/VvjmkCVxsUs/s1600-h/Cape_1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3w8NQveBMI/AAAAAAAACTA/VvjmkCVxsUs/s320/Cape_1a.jpg" /></a></div>Over the past couple of months aside from my Portrait work, I've been finding myself getting commissioned to photograph interiors of Hotels and Restaurants and rather than adding in bursts of light during longer exposures I've opted for HDR for two reasons. One reason being the speed it enables me to work and secondly (& more importantly) it gives me exactly the kind of look I'm after...a definite win, win situation!<br />
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To create a HDR image, the process involves photographing a 'scene' but rather than taking a single photograph, a number are taken. Five is a generally a good number of photographs to take as the first photograph will be 'properly' exposed and then two photographs are taken either side of this exposure each 1 stop apart:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3w_3gPfgxI/AAAAAAAACTI/TMuiUqa6fo8/s1600-h/EXPOSURES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3w_3gPfgxI/AAAAAAAACTI/TMuiUqa6fo8/s320/EXPOSURES.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Setting the exposures for each shot can be done manually but by doing this there is always the risk of knocking the camera so that it becomes out of line. Most modern SLR's and some 'Point and Shoots' like the Canon G series, have this facility (known as Bracketing) built into them where you can select the number of exposures you want the camera to take.<br />
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Once you have your five photographs, it's then a case of combining them so that the full range of exposures can be put together to make one final image. I generally combine three of the images together: the 'properly exposed image plus the image that is 2 stops under exposed and the one that is 2 stops over exposed. Photoshop does have a built in 'HDR' creating function but to be honest it still needs a little work, so the software of choice is Photomatix, and I tend to find 99% of the time that the default settings work just fine. Once the images have been combined (tone mapped) I'll then do a little tweeking in Photoshop just to add some finishing touches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3xDSO_2sEI/AAAAAAAACTQ/0jJEjPe4H0I/s1600-h/HDR_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3xDSO_2sEI/AAAAAAAACTQ/0jJEjPe4H0I/s320/HDR_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Here's a couple of examples of 'overly' processed HDR images where I went for the surreal/drawing kind of look (just for fun you understand)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3xXRollKHI/AAAAAAAACTg/A1qqJDN2bXw/s1600-h/HDR_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3xXRollKHI/AAAAAAAACTg/A1qqJDN2bXw/s320/HDR_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3xGu6MQGlI/AAAAAAAACTY/CfcDhTDPJyc/s1600-h/ARV_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3xGu6MQGlI/AAAAAAAACTY/CfcDhTDPJyc/s320/ARV_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>So, what's your opinion of HDR? ... like it or dislike it? HDR is no magic fix...it wont make a bad shot into a good shot. The old saying of 'Garbage in Garbage out' still counts for HDR because you still need to have good quality images to combine in the first place. Personally I think there is defintely a place in the 'tool kit' for it but I'd love to hear your thoughts / feelings on the subject so please leave a comment. If you've got any examples feel free to send them over and I'll post some up here in an 'update'.<br />
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Also, if you have any questions about this post or would like to see a video tutorial then just let me know in the comments section below or send me an email, message on Facebook etc... and I'll 'get on it'.<br />
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Bye for now.Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-65442955953370425732010-02-09T21:49:00.009+00:002010-02-12T18:00:22.306+00:00InSight Workshop 'One2One' (Tester)Having held a few 'tester' Workshops with small groups of photographers over the past few weeks I've been getting the occasional email coming through asking about 1-1 sessions to include both lighting & editing techniques.<br />
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1-1's are something I do intend to be offering so with a little spare time available this past weekend and being a big believer in the mantra of 'Practice makes Perfect' I got together with a good friend of mine (and keen Photographer) Neal Hibbert to run through a 'personalised' Workshop.<br />
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We started the afternoon off by going through basics of how to control the ambient light in a scene and then how to bring in some off camera lighting to light the subject. We then moved on to run through my <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2010/01/invisible-black-backdrop.html">Invisible Black Backdrop Technique</a> firstly outdoors, and then indoors to go through the same technique but also how to deal with the challenge of light bouncing off the surrounding walls and creeping into the shot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HN9uhqoAI/AAAAAAAACR4/ZwU-oIR42Fo/s1600-h/Leah_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HN9uhqoAI/AAAAAAAACR4/ZwU-oIR42Fo/s320/Leah_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Keeping in the tradition of running workshops when it's either raining or freezing cold, we then headed out into what seemed like Arctic conditions (maybe a slight exaggeration) to work on a couple of 'location' shots:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HO1siN5EI/AAAAAAAACSA/qsKya1dMxx4/s1600-h/Leah_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HO1siN5EI/AAAAAAAACSA/qsKya1dMxx4/s320/Leah_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HYz-Wt_oI/AAAAAAAACSg/vzKJwtWm5pA/s1600-h/Leah_Hibbert_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HYz-Wt_oI/AAAAAAAACSg/vzKJwtWm5pA/s320/Leah_Hibbert_3.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having been out for no longer than half an hour we then headed back indoors and once body temperatures had returned back to a respectable 36.8 ºC we then loaded in some of the shots from the afternoon and ran through some simple editing techniques.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BIG thank you to Neal's daughter Leah who helped us out by being our model for the afternoon, but I'm sure this wont be the last bit of modelling she'll be doing as I've already been notified of Neal's purchase of a light stand, reflective umbrella etc... (Just don't blame me Leah....please)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Technique:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>Image 1:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3H15xMZSWI/AAAAAAAACS4/2pZ7rZb8thE/s1600-h/Leah_SetUp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3H15xMZSWI/AAAAAAAACS4/2pZ7rZb8thE/s320/Leah_SetUp1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This shot was taken in Neal's kitchen during the middle of the afternoon and was created using the <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2010/01/invisible-black-backdrop.html">Invisible Black Backdrop</a> technique. To minimise the spread of light coming out of the reflective umbrella I closed it down almost all the way and positioned it so that I was getting the light to give nice shadows on Leah's face.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>*NB...'Closing down' the umbrella simply refers to releasing the catch so that the umbrella is no longer fixed open. This allows us to control the spread of light and give it more direction but still gives a nice soft light as it's still a decent sized light source and is in close to the subject.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>Image 2:</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HZGTM4UFI/AAAAAAAACSw/KDtqDLyGxYo/s1600-h/Leah_SetUp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S3HZGTM4UFI/AAAAAAAACSw/KDtqDLyGxYo/s320/Leah_SetUp2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This shot couldn't have been simpler. The ambient light was reduced by about 2 stops and then Leah was lit using a Nikon SB800 high on a light stand. Initially no light modifier was used however this meant that Leah's top half was lit but lower half and ground became very dark. The solution...use a 60" Shoot-Thru umbrella to create a larger light source and consequently a bigger spread of light. (Image 3 was made using the exact same lighting set up)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bye for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* You can check out Neal's results from the afternoon by visiting his <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/portsmonkey/">Flickr</a> page.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-25020272260084576592010-02-08T23:58:00.001+00:002012-12-21T04:21:52.565+00:00Lighting Workshop: 1-1 TrainingHi All,<br />
Thought I'd post up a few random images from yesterday's 1-1 Lighting Workshop 'tester'. I'llGlyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-26361035151349465412010-02-05T10:12:00.002+00:002010-02-05T10:28:48.733+00:00InSight Photography Workshop 'Tester' by MoonlightHi All,<br />
Just to let you know the date of the next Photography (tester) Workshop is planned for <b>Sunday 28th February </b>in the Windsor, Berkshire area. This one is going to be a little bit different in that we'll be going through 'Off Camera Lighting' but this time we'll be shooting at night.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2vu2KMokuI/AAAAAAAACRw/1-bM8OquiIM/s1600-h/InSight_black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2vu2KMokuI/AAAAAAAACRw/1-bM8OquiIM/s320/InSight_black.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll be in various locations from a Town Centre, Multi Storey Car Park and maybe a few places you wouldn't expect so if you'd like to come along and join in (numbers are limited to 6 photographers) drop me an email or get in touch through Facebook / Twitter and I'll get more details out to you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2vts44n3XI/AAAAAAAACRo/RfMDFgffBW0/s1600-h/0136-102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2vts44n3XI/AAAAAAAACRo/RfMDFgffBW0/s320/0136-102.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>As with the other 'testers' I've organised over the past few weeks this is <b>free</b> to attendees so long as you give me brutal, honest feedback and we'll be concentrating on the 'shooting' side only and not the full 'theory' side that will be included in the complete workshop that'll be launched later in the year.Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-54730190151029312392010-02-01T09:37:00.004+00:002010-02-01T10:17:28.030+00:00Lighting Walk-Through:Keep it simple with minimal kitSometimes I think one of the biggest challenges to us as Photographers is not what shot to take, but what kit to take with us. Clearly there are times when we need all manner of lighting equipment, stands, props and so on but it was <a href="http://www.zarias.com/">Zack Arias</a>' influence that turned me towards the 'minimalist approach to produce maximum results'.<br />
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Although I have a number of lights that I can bring to a shoot, as a rule I like to work as much as possible with one light and that'll generally be a Nikon SB800 or my Alien Bee 1600 (if I need that bit more..oommppff!!!). This approach over the last year has helped me to 'Keep It Simple' and as a result get much better results, and in a much shorter period of time. That being said, there are always going to be those times when one light just isn't enough as you'll see a little later in the following lighting walk-through:<br />
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<b>'Vince the Hat': Lighting Walk-Through</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aTsjodKeI/AAAAAAAACRA/ovcd8YVDgsc/s1600-h/VincetheHat_SetUp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aTsjodKeI/AAAAAAAACRA/ovcd8YVDgsc/s320/VincetheHat_SetUp1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First things first, set my camera to manual mode and expose for the sky. Then I set up a single SB800 without any modifiers, aimed directly at his 'upper half'. The only problem with this was that the lower part of his body and the ground around his feet became quite dark as the light 'fell off'. So, the solution...fire the SB800 into a 60" Shoot Thru umbrella to create a larger light source; the result being that light then spread over a wider area ie his lower body and the ground around his feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following two pictures show you the photograph as it was directly 'out of camera' and then the final image having had a few tweeks in Photoshop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aXXCZmfGI/AAAAAAAACRI/bNRtuyYAK18/s1600-h/VincetheHat1_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aXXCZmfGI/AAAAAAAACRI/bNRtuyYAK18/s320/VincetheHat1_Final.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now the second set-up which had us photographing 'Vince the Hat' in his shed was one of those times when one light just wasn't enough to get the job done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've included these two images to show you first of all what kind of photograph the camera would give us in 'Aperture Priority' mode and in natural/ambient light...pretty lame huh? So, to get the kind of photograph I was after, it was back into 'Manual Mode' and set the exposure so that we get some detail in the sky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2acETGDeYI/AAAAAAAACRY/nTA7ldYZAcA/s1600-h/VIncetheHat2_Steps1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2acETGDeYI/AAAAAAAACRY/nTA7ldYZAcA/s320/VIncetheHat2_Steps1_2.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The result of doing this as you can see from the second photograph was a great looking sky but Vince going into complete darkness, so then it was a simple case of using the same Nikon SB800 and 60" Shoot Thru umbrella as before and aiming it in through the windows to create a large, natural looking light source.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aap3lj_tI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LTHecN_PP74/s1600-h/VincetheHat_SetUp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aap3lj_tI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LTHecN_PP74/s320/VincetheHat_SetUp2.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This worked just fine but the only 'challenge' then was that the area under the shelf that Vince was leaning on was getting none of the light so the solution here was to bring in another Nikon SB800, hand held by my good friend <a href="http://www.noelhannanphotography.blogspot.com/">Noel Hannan</a> just outside of the doorway and aimed into the lower area of the shed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These last two images show the photograph as it came out of the camera and then the resulting final image once I'd worked on it for a couple of minutes or so in Photoshop to remove some 'give away' shadows and tweeked the colour/tone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aeGRB9wjI/AAAAAAAACRg/H3Qs2ZeN4KA/s1600-h/VincetheHat2_Step3_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S2aeGRB9wjI/AAAAAAAACRg/H3Qs2ZeN4KA/s320/VincetheHat2_Step3_4.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>Questions or comments about this post? Please let me know in the comments section below, but in the mean time,<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</b>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-39617477594376886272010-01-26T20:57:00.006+00:002010-02-05T11:08:27.164+00:00Help for Heroes..."If you don't ask, you don't get"<i>Update: I've had an email from Daniel's mother Debbie telling me that tickets to this event are now completely sold out and so far £92,000 has been raised in Daniel's name for the Help for Heroes Charity. An awesome achievement but let's not stop it there. If you can offer anything to be auctioned or would like to contribute (however small) just drop me a line. Thanks</i><br />
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In December of last year I spend some time with some of the bravest and heroic people I have ever had the privilege and honour to meet. I was at Heathrow Airport at the time and met up with a group of 10 soldiers that had returned from active service out in Afghanistan and were flying onwards to family and friends. Each and everyone of them had suffered horrific injuries and indeed it was an absolute miracle that any of them was still alive. I'll be honest with you and say that I really struggled to fight back the tears when one young guy in particular relayed the story of what had happened to him; I wanted to be strong but clearly the effect of hearing his story showed in my eyes but then he asked me if I was ok...I mean, here's a 19 year old young man infront of me, wheel chair bound having lost a leg, severely damaged right arm and shoulder and loss of sight in one eye asking me if I'm ok...remembering this still leaves me speechless. However, as they put it, they are the <i>lucky ones</i> because they're still alive as we know all too well from what seems like daily news reports, soldiers are losing their lives out there.<br />
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</div><div>The reason for this post is to tell you that this week I received a letter from a woman...a mother of a soldier who had served and died on active service out in Afghanistan. Wendy Ellis Stafford is organising a Charity Ball in Support of <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/">Help for Heroes</a> to be held on the 10th July 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Marlow, UK which happens to be the anniversary of her son Daniel's passing. Amongst other fund raising activities on the night an auction is to be held where all the winning bids will also go to the Charity. As a photographer I've donated a Photo Shoot to the auction where the highest bidder will join me for a Location Portrait Shoot and also get a framed picture of their choice.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>By writing this post I guess I'm really asking 'is there anything you could offer to the auction?' Hair stylists, makeup artists, owners of hotels and so on...would any of the people you know be prepared to offer something to be auctioned?</div><div><br />
</div><div>It would be incredible if we could all help raise a significant amount of money for the <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/">Help for Heroes</a> Charity so thanks for reading this and as my late Grandad Fred used to say..."If you don't ask, you don't get"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Speak soon.</div>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-60899590201854344002010-01-25T20:19:00.003+00:002010-01-25T23:17:11.046+00:00Photo Shoot: "Vince the Hat"Making the most of a bit of 'down time' yesterday I met up with my good friend and fellow photographer <a href="http://www.noelhannanphotography.blogspot.com/">Noel Hannan</a> to talk through projects for the coming months including some social events for photographers and one project in particular being a photo shoot at Brooklands which I'll tell you more about nearer the time.<br />
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Anyway having 'chewed the cud' for a short while we headed over to meet up with 'Vince the Hat' on his allotment to take some shots for the portfolio. (No prizes as to why Vince got the nick name).<br />
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Here's a few shots from the hour or so we spent with him before heading off for a debrief aka 'a pint' and I'll add a post in the next day or two to show a walk through of the shoot including lighting set up etc...<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S138FPH6zNI/AAAAAAAACQQ/4VRfvoznEK4/s1600-h/0145-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S138FPH6zNI/AAAAAAAACQQ/4VRfvoznEK4/s320/0145-31.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-63957755677259688142010-01-20T20:54:00.001+00:002010-01-20T20:56:45.300+00:00Outtakes-The Invisible Black Backdrop VideoJust a quickie...thought I'd share the reason with you why I decided to do a written tutorial of the <i>'Invisible Black Backdrop'</i> technique as opposed to a video tutorial.<br />
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</div><div>Enjoy<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10px; white-space: pre;"><object height="290" width="460"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-m02QluTqsQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-m02QluTqsQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="460" height="290"></embed></object></span></span><br />
</div>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-45681916569869506342010-01-18T20:11:00.004+00:002010-01-20T17:35:15.746+00:00The 'Invisible' Black BackdropOver the past few weeks in preparation for the launch of my new 'InSight Photography Workshop' I've been running 'testers' (mini workshops) with groups of photographers to teach a range of lighting techniques and also to get brutal honest feedback.<br />
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One of the techniques I've been teaching has become affectionately knows as 'The Invisible Black Backdrop' and without doubt has proven to be one of the most popular techniques amongst attendees. So, this got me thinking...why not write a tutorial, post it on the blog and then encourage those who give it a go to submit their photographs?...I mean, what better way to judge your teaching than by seeing the results achieved by others?<br />
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<b>So...what is the 'Invisible Black Backdrop'?</b><br />
Well as the saying goes 'a picture paints a thousand words' so here's what I mean:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1X6nolaghI/AAAAAAAACPA/lPB6cptc6kA/s1600-h/before_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1X6nolaghI/AAAAAAAACPA/lPB6cptc6kA/s320/before_after.jpg" /></a><br />
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There's no question that having this technique in your 'Photography Toolbag' can save you alot of time, effort and not to mention...money, but it also allows you to add a little extra creativity to your 'shoot' and get photos that you would have normally thought only possible in a studio or with a collapsible backdrop.<br />
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<b>So, how do we achieve the 'Black Backdrop'?</b><br />
Basically what we're looking to do is to tell the camera to capture no light other than what we introduce in the form of a speedlight flash for example. We don't want the camera to pick up <i>any</i> of the ambient/natural light at all, and by doing that we have an instant black backdrop.<br />
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Now I just want to add that this technique can be done with any camera that has the ability to be put into Manual Mode and has the ability to trigger off camera flash; so that means SLR's and some pocket cameras such as the Canon G range (G9, G10 and so on...)<br />
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<b>There's only '5 Steps' to it...</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> Put your camera into <b>MANUAL MODE</b>. Yes, now we are in control: Shutter Speed, Aperture, iso...from this point onwards we're telling the camera what to do as opposed to the camera telling us and giving us the picture it thinks we want.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">2. <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ISO</b>...Set your camera to it's lowest possible ISO. In laymen's terms, the iso dictates how sensitive to light your camera's sensor is i.e a low number like 200 means it's less sensitive to light whereas a higher number like 1600 means it's more sensitive to light. On a side note the higher the iso number the more noise/grain can be introduced into your photograph, particularly in the shadow areas. Now, seeing as we're looking to make a black backdrop we're not concerned with how sensitive to light the camera is, so we'll be keeping our iso as low as possible; in my case, my Nikon D3 can go down to 100 which means the camera isn't very sensitive to light at all and the final picture will be nice and clean with minimal grain/noise.</span></span><br />
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</b><br />
<b>3. Shutter Speed</b>...Set your camera to its <b>maximum/optimum sync speed</b>. Basically this is the maximum speed that your camera and flash work together ie any faster than this and your camera's shutter is opening and closing too quickly to allow all the light from your flash to fill the camera's sensor. Common maximum sync speeds are in the 1/200th of a second to 1/250th of a second. Now although we could quite easily make the scene completely black by going to an incredibly high shutter speed like 1/8000th second the problem with this is that the shutter will open and close so quickly that none of the light from the flash will hit the sensor, so we must stick to the maximum sync speed that our cameras and flashes work <i>'together'</i>.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">4. <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Aperture</b>...The final setting on our cameras is the aperture or basically what 'f' number we should select. Now, knowing roughly what 'f' number to use will become second nature after you've done this a few times so the best thing is to choose say, f/5.6 and go from there. Once you're at this stage take a photo of your subject and see what results you get. The objective here is to see absolutely nothing on your cameras display ie you should see a completely black screen. Now, if you don't and you're seeing a bit of the environment then clearly some natural/ambient light is creeping into the scene. So, all we have to do is close down our 'f' number a little ie if you're getting natural/ambient light into the photo at say f/5.6 then try going to f/8.0 and see what that gives you:</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1YDOzUMzVI/AAAAAAAACPY/Wf2K5uXITbE/s1600-h/hedge_before_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1YDOzUMzVI/AAAAAAAACPY/Wf2K5uXITbE/s320/hedge_before_after.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><b>5. Bring in the flash</b>...Now we've 'set the scene' with our camera's and have a completely black screen, the final phase to this technique is to 'bring in the flash'. Where you prefer to position your flash and what modifier you use is entirely down to you depending on the look you want to achieve but I find I get great results using a 60" reflective umbrella. This is a great piece of kit that creates beautiful light but I can also 'close down' to control where I want the light to fall and how much etc...<br />
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Again experience of having done this a few times will dictate what power level you put the flash on so until that time just pick a power level ie 1/4 power, then take a shot and see what you get. If you want more light then increase the power of the flash in increments until you get what you want. If the light from the flash is too bright then simply lower the power level in increments.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1YGsGk2mBI/AAAAAAAACPg/YuQCLu84Q-c/s1600-h/setup_shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1YGsGk2mBI/AAAAAAAACPg/YuQCLu84Q-c/s320/setup_shot.jpg" /></a><br />
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As a rule, Shutter Speed controls Ambient/Natural light and Aperture controls flash power but in this technique once we've set both the shutter speed and aperture to give us our black background we really need to leave them well alone and control the power of the flash manually by walking over to (or better still having an assistant) adjust it by hand.<br />
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<b>Triggering the flash</b><br />
As this technique uses 'off camera' flash we need to have a way of triggering our flash. I use Pocket Wizards which are the industry standard radio triggers; great pieces if kit, very reliable that work at ridiculous distances, but they do have a price tag to match. However, there are lots of alternative ways to trigger your flash from a simple 'sync lead' which forms a physical connection to your camera and flash (with obvious limitations), an infra red trigger, Nikon users can use their 'Pop-Up' flashes to trigger another flash using the Nikon CLS (Creative Lighting System) and there's even budget radio triggers you can get off ebay that seem to work just fine.<br />
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<b>In Summary:</b><br />
<b>1. </b><b>MANUAL MODE</b><br />
<b>2. </b><b>LOWEST 'ISO' (200 or lower)</b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">3. MAXIMUM SYNC SPEED (1/250th sec, 1/200th sec etc... depending on your camera)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">4. SELECT AN APERTURE (ie f/5.6 as a starting point)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">5. BRING IN THE FLASH</span><br />
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So, that quite simply is all there is to it. Now I've deliberately not gone into too much technical jargon to explain this because I want this to be a <i>'how to'</i> tutorial as opposed to a <i>'why'</i> but should you wish to know the ins and outs of the technical side I'll gladly pass on details of books that will cover it all.<br />
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<b>A couple of things to note:</b><br />
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<b>1.</b> If you're using this technique indoors be aware that once you introduce flash, the light might end up bouncing off light coloured walls which will then light the room up and so destroy your black backdrop. My advice when using this technique indoors would be to restrict where the light falls by using such modifiers as a Honl Speed Grid or a Lastolite EzyBox, or 'close down' your reflective umbrella.<br />
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<b>2.</b> If you're using Speedlights outside to do this technique you may find that if you're doing it in the middle of a bright afternoon your cameras aperture (f number) will have to be set so closed down (eg f/22) that your speedlights wont be powerful enough to light the sensor. The answer here is to find a covered/shady area or better still wait for the sun to ease off a little. This technique can be done in the middle of the afternoon on a bright sunny day but that would call for alot more powerful lighting to be used which in turn would cost alot more money.<br />
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<b>So what next?</b><br />
If you have any questions then post them to the comments section...that way others with the same question will get the answers too. Also let me know how you get on...I'd love to see some of the results you come up with, or any challenges you experience and if you get the urge why not leave a comment...any feedback is great and don't worry, I've got broad shoulders.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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>In the meantime, here's a few more examples:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1YMECLLf4I/AAAAAAAACPw/GgiMNq8YJ4c/s1600-h/example_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S1YMECLLf4I/AAAAAAAACPw/GgiMNq8YJ4c/s320/example_2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Why not try this technique on 'still life' too as in this photograph I took of a Prototype Microphone whilst shooting at the Imperial College, London<br />
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</div>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-18419770236204333552010-01-17T10:58:00.004+00:002010-01-17T17:47:22.644+00:00Photoshop Editing-Heathrow PolicemanFollowing on with the 'Workshop' theme here's a short video to show how I edit certain photographs using photoshop.<br />
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The video itself runs a 2x Speed so that you can see the process in 'quick time' but over the next few days (having been convinced by my buddy <a href="http://media-cats.com/">A.J. Wood</a>) I'll put together a series of short tutorial videos as well so that you can follow along at a normal pace.<br />
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To watch the video in a larger window you could always visit my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/glyndewis">YouTube</a> Page.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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ps> I intend (diary willing) to be posting videos on a fairly regular basis showing some Photography & editing techniques that I regularly use, so if there's anything you'd like to see or would just like to leave a comment, then please feel free to pass it on.Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-43079775752814837812010-01-03T18:52:00.010+00:002010-01-08T17:17:22.989+00:00More iPhone Applications for PhotographersAnyone who knows me is more than aware of how much I love using my iPhone to take <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/search/label/iPhone">photographs</a> on an almost daily basis and with the ever growing number of applications being made available through the iTunes App Store editing and sharing them gets easier and easier. Two applications that I've been getting alot of use out of lately are Photoshop.com and Strobox. <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Photoshop.com Mobile</span> as the name suggests is Adobe's contribution to editing applications for mobile phones and with a price tag of 'FREE" it's a must have. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S0DtFh4oobI/AAAAAAAACNY/KPNmGa15t-w/s1600-h/photoshopmobile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S0DtFh4oobI/AAAAAAAACNY/KPNmGa15t-w/s320/photoshopmobile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422594630605119922" /></a><br />
As you'd expect it's an incredibly easy App to use offering all manner of editing tools such as Exposure, Contrast, Soft Focus and a number of 'one click' Special Effects. Be warned though...it's addictive. You can download it direct from the iTunes App Store <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewSoftware%253Fid%253D331975235%2526mt%253D8">here.</a><br />
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* To give you an idea of the kind of editing you can do with Photoshop.com Mobile here's a 'before' & 'after' photograph I took using my iPhone of the nose cone of Concorde which took about a minute.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S0DvBp4jG6I/AAAAAAAACNg/h8kxD-LIfQY/s1600-h/photoshop_mobile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S0DvBp4jG6I/AAAAAAAACNg/h8kxD-LIfQY/s320/photoshop_mobile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422596763056020386" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Strobox</span> is as it says, an App for sharing Lighting Diagrams. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S0Dw-sg5hII/AAAAAAAACNo/QDMLfkuWPKM/s1600-h/strobox.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/S0Dw-sg5hII/AAAAAAAACNo/QDMLfkuWPKM/s320/strobox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422598911245780098" /></a><br />
For regular followers of this blog and for those who've attended some of the InSight Workshop 'Testers' over the past few weeks I'm sure will agree that my drawing skills leave alot to be desired when it comes to <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/05/phil-toms-portrait-shoot.html">lighting diagrams</a>, so this great little App has been very well received. An incredibly easy App to use, you can create lighting diagrams by placing all sorts of objects (camera, softboxes, people and so on ...) and save them to show others or even email them all from within the App itself and again with a price tag of 'FREE' for any photographers out there who use lighting diagrams it's a must. You can download a copy from the iTunes App Store by clicking <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewSoftware%253Fid%253D339112815%2526cc%253Dus">here.</a><br />
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Enjoy ;o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-88668900898526889692010-01-01T15:10:00.022+00:002010-01-08T17:17:43.798+00:00Goodbye 2009; Hello 2010...Well that's it folks...as we say goodbye to 2009 we venture into a new decade with the arrival of 2010. So, how was your year? Did you manage to fit everything in? I've said it before on the blog more than once but are the years going by faster or what? Or is that I've got less friction as 'up top' thins out just that little bit more??<br />
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Anyway, 2009 has been quite an eventful year in both a personal and business sense so I thought I'd take this chance to write a few lines and mention just a few things from the past 12 months:<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Zack Arias - OneLight Workshop</span><br />
* During November I got the opportunity to fly out to Atlanta, USA to spend time with <a href="http://www.zarias.com/">Zack Arias</a> on his OneLight Workshop. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4dzmJT-nI/AAAAAAAACMo/4pH4DNHWbgc/s1600-h/zack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4dzmJT-nI/AAAAAAAACMo/4pH4DNHWbgc/s320/zack.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421803773650795122" /></a><br />
Zack is an amazing 'teacher' who just keeps on going until you can take no more. I think we finished just before 2am on the final day having been at it from 9.30am the previous morning; a truly unforgettable experience for a whole host of reasons not least for the generosity of Zack & his wife Meghan. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4ZmTWDYVI/AAAAAAAACMg/OBtzwA9sGbI/s1600-h/visionmongers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4ZmTWDYVI/AAAAAAAACMg/OBtzwA9sGbI/s320/visionmongers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421799147219149138" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Visionmongers</span> by David DuChemin<br />
Just had to mention this book! This is <span style="font-style:italic;">the</span> bible of 'how to' when it comes to running a photography business. Seriously I could go on and on, even dedicate a entire blog entry to this book but all I will say is that if I had to throw out all the business related material I have and could only keep one...this would be it! Check it out here on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/VisionMongers-Making-Living-Photography-Voices/dp/0321670205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262366384&sr=8-1">Amazon.</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Most memorable Photo Shoot of 2009:</span><br />
Hands down this has to be the 'Trash(ish) the Dress' Project with Dave & Michelle Caton-Richards which ended with Michelle waist high in the River Thames wearing her Wedding Dress on a freezing, and I mean freezing cold November afternoon. If you missed it you can see some of the photos and a 'behind the scenes' video by clicking <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/12/another-day-at-office.html">here.</a><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4jFfTL7qI/AAAAAAAACMw/qZ3aBjUdcpQ/s1600-h/_GAD4763.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4jFfTL7qI/AAAAAAAACMw/qZ3aBjUdcpQ/s320/_GAD4763.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421809578608946850" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Other Stuff:</span><br />
Moving into 2010 there's alot of 'stuff' in the pipleine. I'm real excited to be working with San Francisco, USA based <a href="http://www.livebooks.com/">'LiveBooks'</a> who are designing us a brand new website. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4oYh_CX7I/AAAAAAAACM4/HtF5ykXeVWE/s1600-h/livebooks_logo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4oYh_CX7I/AAAAAAAACM4/HtF5ykXeVWE/s320/livebooks_logo2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421815403305394098" /></a><br />
One of the big learning points for me during 2009 has been not to 'skimp' out when it comes to a website and to go to the professionals.Without doubt there have been a few missed opportunities during the past 12 months because of having a website that just wasn't 'working' for me as it should have been. Thankfully that's now being rectified so I'm real excited to see how the new site will be received. Talking of the 'web' we've also got a completely new blog coming in the near future, so I'll be sure to keep you posted re the progress there.<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">InSight Workshop</span><br />
We're working hard behind the scenes on the new Workshop which I plan to launch this Spring.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4rcn74hpI/AAAAAAAACNA/ga0xA8jZVVY/s1600-h/InSight_black.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 88px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz4rcn74hpI/AAAAAAAACNA/ga0xA8jZVVY/s320/InSight_black.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421818772157138578" /></a><br />
We've already run a couple of testers with a number of photographers for honest feedback, and this has been incredibly useful. I've got another couple more testers running this month and then we'll be working on finalising content, workbook, locations etc... <br />
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In conjunction with the Workshop I plan on getting stuck into doing more videos alternating between photography tips/techniques that I use and editing techniques using Photoshop / Lightroom. I want to keep the videos short (3 minutes-ish) so that they cover one quick tip on a regular basis. You can check out some of the videos we've already published on my YouTube Page by visiting <a href="http://www.youtube.com/glyndewis">http://www.youtube.com/glyndewis</a> Oh, and we're also looking at starting a newsletter to keep you informed on what's going on, tips & techniques and so on, but I'll let you know more about that at a later stage.<br />
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So we've plenty to be getting on with and I'm guessing there's going to be quite a few late nights coming my way but hey what's the worst that could happen? ... lose my hair?<br />
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What have you got planned for the new decade and what are you going to be working on? Dare I ask what your 'New Year Resolutions' are? I'd love to hear so feel free to post a comment, drop me an email or get in touch through <a href="http://www.facebook.com/glyndewis">FaceBook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/glyndewis">Twitter.</a> <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">Happy New Year & Thankyou for your friendship and support during 2009</span><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz40TQFRhII/AAAAAAAACNI/Mvh7NLp5Zn0/s1600-h/sunrise.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sz40TQFRhII/AAAAAAAACNI/Mvh7NLp5Zn0/s320/sunrise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421828506739901570" /></a>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-29433775585134050722009-12-29T11:35:00.008+00:002010-01-20T20:52:47.827+00:00Photoshop Tutorial-The Screen & Multiply Blend ModesI thought for the second instalment of 'Photoshop Tutorial' videos I'd show you a technique that I use on a day to day basis before uploading images to the web. It's a technique that makes use of two of Photoshop's layer blending modes, namely 'Screen' & Multiply' to remove black or white in a layer, and is so quick if you blink you'll miss it.<br />
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Anyway check out the video attached to see how I use this technique to help speed up my workflow:<br />
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To see more of my Photography & Photoshop videos you can check out my YouTube Page by clicking on this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GlynDewis">link.</a><br />
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Enjoy ;o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-61209728597086610412009-12-23T17:56:00.007+00:002010-01-08T17:18:01.094+00:00InSight Photography Workshop - 2nd Test PhaseWe managed to squeeze in another tester/mini <span style="font-weight:bold;">InSight Workshop</span> last Saturday; this time over in Windsor, Berkshire on what was a rather chilly day to say the least. I'm beginning to think I should publish a 'HEALTH WARNING' for those photographers that come along to the next one cos I seem to have an uncanny ability to pick days when it's pouring with rain or freezing cold; still it's character building I guess...lol<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SzJmpcztQ8I/AAAAAAAACL4/JUsGz1YGY4M/s1600-h/_GAD6538+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SzJmpcztQ8I/AAAAAAAACL4/JUsGz1YGY4M/s320/_GAD6538+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418506163973866434" /></a><br />
As it was so cold and really quite slippy under foot, the majority of the workshop was held in one area, but a place that gave us plenty of scope to try out all sorts of different shots. Our model for the afternoon was my good friend Danny Bartlett who for those regular readers of the blog will remember from previous photo shoots:<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SzJnZtUDjmI/AAAAAAAACMA/B465CL81DZY/s1600-h/0120-32.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SzJnZtUDjmI/AAAAAAAACMA/B465CL81DZY/s320/0120-32.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418506993038233186" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SzKBSxn5hEI/AAAAAAAACMI/AVe34kHRW9c/s1600-h/_GAD888.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SzKBSxn5hEI/AAAAAAAACMI/AVe34kHRW9c/s320/_GAD888.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418535461238441026" /></a><br />
Once we'd spent a few hours out shooting we headed back indoors to warm up and grab a drink and just chat generally about what we'd covered and it was great to get all sorts of feedback from how the afternoon went and suggestions for what to include next time. Stan Coetzee, one of the guys who'd come along and who is very new to photography actually said that he'd never thought he'd ever be able to take photographs like he had done today; to hear that was the icing on the cake...a great end to a really enjoyable day.<br />
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I'm going to be running a couple more 'testers' during January 2010 in preparation of going 'live' with the Workshop in late February. One of the Workshops is being held down in West Wittering on the 31st January which is now full, but I'll be publishing the other date for January very soon, so if you'd like to attend keep checking back here on the blog or follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/glyndewis">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/glyndewis">Twitter</a>.<br />
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Speak soon ;o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-12793581537380402152009-12-20T19:54:00.012+00:002010-01-08T17:17:47.357+00:00Corporate Photography - Imperial College, LondonLast week I was at the Imperial College, London taking photographs of a Dr Patrick Naylor: Director of Postgraduate Studies at the College specialising in 'sound'. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6nWUFsh3I/AAAAAAAACLI/-bYrfxM1Kjk/s1600-h/P_Naylor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6nWUFsh3I/AAAAAAAACLI/-bYrfxM1Kjk/s320/P_Naylor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417451403564844914" /></a><br />
When we first met up to discuss the 'shoot' Dr Naylor did begin to explain some of the equipment that he uses to me but he must have noticed the glazed "you've lost me" expression that enveloped my face; still, I did ask more about the iPhone prototype he's working on that has six speakers built into it...nice!<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6nno3XtDI/AAAAAAAACLQ/gdRKLaN9pEE/s1600-h/0142-381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6nno3XtDI/AAAAAAAACLQ/gdRKLaN9pEE/s320/0142-381.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417451701199680562" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6ny61QN9I/AAAAAAAACLY/3507nwa30Nw/s1600-h/0142-398.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6ny61QN9I/AAAAAAAACLY/3507nwa30Nw/s320/0142-398.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417451895001200594" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6rAVsm4pI/AAAAAAAACLw/tkGchlGa_bE/s1600-h/0142-472.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6rAVsm4pI/AAAAAAAACLw/tkGchlGa_bE/s320/0142-472.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417455424085877394" /></a><br />
Having worked on the 'must have' corporate shots and got them 'in the bag' we then worked on a few fun ideas that we'd had over coffee, such as working at the laptop and one that included a composition/montage of several 'Dr Naylor's' in the main lecture room:<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6oGDGARqI/AAAAAAAACLg/O2F-q1FhwyA/s1600-h/0142-492.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 94px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6oGDGARqI/AAAAAAAACLg/O2F-q1FhwyA/s320/0142-492.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417452223636457122" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style:italic;">Disclaimer: Any resemblance of Dr Naylor's poses to those of actual students is purely coincidental...honest</span><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6oR_AEYGI/AAAAAAAACLo/4EcYqFKI3Fo/s1600-h/Naylor_montage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sy6oR_AEYGI/AAAAAAAACLo/4EcYqFKI3Fo/s320/Naylor_montage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417452428696248418" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Technique:</span><br />
For the 'laptop' shot I put 2 pieces of white A4 paper over the computer screen and fired a single Nikon SB800 which was hidden out of sight onto it; this mimicked the light which would come off the computer screen. Another SB800 was placed camera left on it's lowest power setting and aimed at the back of the computer to light it up otherwise it was too dark and just blended into the black background.<br />
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The lecture room composition was put together by fixing the camera in position on a tripod and then photographing Dr Naylor in several different positions. Dr Naylor was lit by a single bare Nikon SB800 which was moved around for each shot being careful to keep it the same distance away each time. Ending up with about 7 photographs they were then blended together in Photoshop using Layer Masks. <br />
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Enjoy ;o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-16395970673097063412009-12-16T20:28:00.011+00:002010-01-26T20:10:52.236+00:00Adobe Community Expert Nomination - Speechless!!!<i>Update: I've just received notification from Adobe that I am now an Adobe Community Expert. HUGE thanks got to A.J. Wood from <a href="http://media-cats.com/">Media Cats</a> for even thinking of nominating me and a big thank you to everyone that's sent messages through Facebook and Twitter...You guys rock!</i><br />
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It's not often that I'm left speechless, but this morning I gotta admit that's how I found myself; and the reason...I've been nominated for the Adobe Community Expert Program 2010. Here's a <a href="http://www.adobe.com/communities/experts/">link</a> to explain what this is all about but also, here's a copy of the nomination sent in by A.J. Wood who runs <a href="http://media-cats.com/">Media Cats</a>; a very successful Digital Media Training Centre in Dallas, Texas:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SylORG1OwcI/AAAAAAAACLA/2yjAwmoVuHI/s1600-h/adobe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415946082688352706" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SylORG1OwcI/AAAAAAAACLA/2yjAwmoVuHI/s320/adobe.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 159px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">When I think of an Adobe Community Expert, I think of a group of professionals coming together to share their experiences & talents. I also think about the type of person who has the knack for relating to other people, and generally loves sharing what they know without all the pomp & circumstance. I think of Glyn.<br />
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Glyn Dewis is a gifted individual who has taken his love of photography & Adobe products and turned it into a new career. When we met at Photoshop World years ago, he was still working as a police officer. He was quite the character, excited to be at PSW, taking in all the classes, just soaking up all the information. But Glyn is not the type of person to sit idly by.<br />
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In the years that have past he has continued to excel in his craft of photography & Photoshop work. He has quite a bit to share regarding Lightroom, and publishes video commentary on his blog. A person who understands the importance of community, he has led many photowalk outings, including Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk held this past July 2009. Glyn is constantly looking to improve himself & his work, and I admire his dedication & ambitions.<br />
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I highly recommend Glyn Dewis for the Adobe Community Experts program not only for his current expertise, but the potential & experience he will share with all of us and his community.</span><br />
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Saying 'thankyou' to A.J. for this nomination just doesn't seem enough and to be honest whether or not I'm picked is irrelevant. Of course it would be great to be successful following this nomination but to be put forward in the first place by someone I have alot of respect for not only as a person but also as a very talented and knowledgeable Instructor is a gift in itself.Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-7972105293059940302009-12-15T19:25:00.012+00:002010-01-08T17:17:38.128+00:00Headshots & Promotional Photography - Tom ColleyI got to work with a young and very talented actor/musician recently by the name of Tom Colley for some 'headshot' and 'promo' work. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Syfyr40ZDEI/AAAAAAAACK4/Mx5FWe_Kg3c/s1600-h/0141-20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 171px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Syfyr40ZDEI/AAAAAAAACK4/Mx5FWe_Kg3c/s320/0141-20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415563912736738370" /></a><br />
The shoot itself was all done out on location in Amersham, Buckinghamshire as opposed to a studio, which gave us alot more freedom and variety to the photographs we were working on. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Syfw926OFqI/AAAAAAAACKI/h93ile1YKGo/s1600-h/0141-109.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Syfw926OFqI/AAAAAAAACKI/h93ile1YKGo/s320/0141-109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415562022438704802" /></a><br />
Priority was given to the 'headshots' which we did in the covered Market Place that we used the week before when photographing 'Caroline' during one of our <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/12/insight-workshop-tester-phase.html">InSight Workshops</a>. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyfxNJoBJxI/AAAAAAAACKQ/yckH6Zz3rNI/s1600-h/0141-184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyfxNJoBJxI/AAAAAAAACKQ/yckH6Zz3rNI/s320/0141-184.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415562285160670994" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyfxNNDUFsI/AAAAAAAACKY/ib-DsGyMh_Y/s1600-h/0141-239.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyfxNNDUFsI/AAAAAAAACKY/ib-DsGyMh_Y/s320/0141-239.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415562286080464578" /></a><br />
Once we were all happy with the 'headshots' we then moved on to a number of different locations; some within walking distance and a couple that we needed to drive to. Having initially met up at midday, time played a big part in how the day progressed as at this time of year, we're losing light quite quickly from around 3.45pm however Tom being so easy to work with and having a good friend along to help move kit around meant that we were able to go through the 'shoot' at a good pace but without rushing.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyfxfiNykOI/AAAAAAAACKg/QxrQ88SCdN8/s1600-h/0141-335.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyfxfiNykOI/AAAAAAAACKg/QxrQ88SCdN8/s320/0141-335.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415562600999194850" /></a><br />
To keep things simple I used just one flash/stobe at each location; a Nikon SB800 in the Market Place for the headshots and for a bit more 'clout' the Alien Bees when we were out in the open cos of the bright sunlight and it's this style of lighting I'm covering in my new Workshops. Talking of which, I'll be releasing a couple more dates for 'testers/mini workshops' in January 2010 before we go 'live' in February and I'll publish more details including what we'll be covering when the new website is launched.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Syfxo04FHxI/AAAAAAAACKo/F2lu74bReg4/s1600-h/0141-367.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Syfxo04FHxI/AAAAAAAACKo/F2lu74bReg4/s320/0141-367.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415562760627232530" /></a><br />
In the meantime,<br />
Enjoy ;o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-76554875264120199412009-12-12T05:14:00.005+00:002010-01-08T17:17:11.964+00:00No day is ever the same...One big thing I love about what I do is the variety; no day and no photo shoot is ever the same and lately this has certainly been the case. This past week has seen me photographing a woman in her wedding dress in the freezing cold River Thames to photographing a woman in a grave yard wearing an evening dress (the client..not me, I hasten to add). <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyMxtraZmeI/AAAAAAAACJw/IAVutiymb6c/s1600-h/0140-127.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyMxtraZmeI/AAAAAAAACJw/IAVutiymb6c/s320/0140-127.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414225837846796770" /></a><br />
Julia Reichel was one of the attendees at the first of the 'InSight' mini Workshop on the 29th November who at the end of the day asked to book me for a portrait shoot...but with a slight twist. Now, as a rule I like to plan each photo shoot by at the very least scouting out suitable locations but it didn't work out that way in this case because of the urgency of the job; i.e I had just 24 hours to meet up, shoot and supply the edited images.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyMx3G_OsII/AAAAAAAACJ4/7OH_s83_EIA/s1600-h/0140-97.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyMx3G_OsII/AAAAAAAACJ4/7OH_s83_EIA/s320/0140-97.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414225999867850882" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyMxeUxmB5I/AAAAAAAACJo/GW3KRmyjDq4/s1600-h/0140-180_bw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SyMxeUxmB5I/AAAAAAAACJo/GW3KRmyjDq4/s320/0140-180_bw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414225574072027026" /></a><br />
Anyway..we met..I got the brief (<span style="font-style:italic;">to be photographed in a grave yard wearing an evening dress and looking slightly 'hungover'</span>) and we did the shoot.<br />
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See I told you there was variety in what I do...lolGlyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-50109382407522663372009-12-08T18:05:00.017+00:002010-01-08T17:17:55.251+00:00Another day at the office ...As a general rule November in the UK is not usually the time that you'd consider getting outside and into the water...let alone The River Thames. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx63F3LMf7I/AAAAAAAACJI/a6L_B2sz4xk/s1600-h/_GAD4638.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx63F3LMf7I/AAAAAAAACJI/a6L_B2sz4xk/s320/_GAD4638.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412965113484050354" /></a><br />
Well, I guess 'rules' are made to be broken cos that's exactly what happened last week when Michelle & Dave Caton-Richards decided they wanted a 'trash the dress' style photo shoot. To be fair this particular shoot has been in the planning phase for some time now but due to a number of reason had to be put back a few times until it got to the stage when it was a case of "we're doing it now or not at all".<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx628kTtLpI/AAAAAAAACJA/HJOu3dAdh5o/s1600-h/_GAD4607.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx628kTtLpI/AAAAAAAACJA/HJOu3dAdh5o/s320/_GAD4607.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412964953800650386" /></a><br />
I photographed Michelle & Dave a few months back for what was Part 1 of this 2 part shoot; part 1 being in a car workshop, which you can check out by clicking on this <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/10/insight-from-concept-to-print-episode-2.html">link.</a><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx63OV71fYI/AAAAAAAACJQ/tDesPn1e08U/s1600-h/_GAD4617.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx63OV71fYI/AAAAAAAACJQ/tDesPn1e08U/s320/_GAD4617.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412965259180080514" /></a><br />
Part 2 of the shoot saw us down by, or should I say 'in' the River Thames in Shepperton, Middlesex but before venturing into the icy cold waters we took a few shots on a grass verge nearby. To be honest I was wrapped up like Mr Staypuft and was still feeling the cold so I've no idea how Michelle stood there in her wedding dress; I'm guessing the uncontrollable teeth chattering generated a bit of heat.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx63aB5aoFI/AAAAAAAACJY/LW1rPRXAdgI/s1600-h/_GAD4696.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx63aB5aoFI/AAAAAAAACJY/LW1rPRXAdgI/s320/_GAD4696.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412965459959652434" /></a><br />
Anyway, having 'warmed' up on the grass verge we then made our way down to the now fast flowing and fast rising river bank for the 'trash the dress' shots. Thankfully Michelle's husband Dave is into all sorts of 'adrenaline junkie' type activities and had a variety of safety ropes etc on hand...just incase; and yes I'd checked the insurance policy small print before we stepped anywhere near the water :o)<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx64T4xUxgI/AAAAAAAACJg/Hb_R2NH5tis/s1600-h/_GAD4763.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sx64T4xUxgI/AAAAAAAACJg/Hb_R2NH5tis/s320/_GAD4763.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412966453942208002" /></a><br />
I've attached a video so you can see the 'behind the scenes' footage but make sure you're wrapped up warm before you watch it..lol<br />
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Enjoy<br />
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<object width="460" height="290"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eHDUrntzI0Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eHDUrntzI0Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="460" height="290"></embed></object><br />
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ps> BIG thank you to Michelle's friend Sarah who helped me out by being a VAL (Voice Activated Light stand) for the 'grass verge shots and to Dave for braving the Thames and holding the flash in there too ;o)<br />
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pps> All the lighting techniques in these shots are covered in my new <span style="font-weight:bold;">InSight Workshop</span> so if you want to learn the 'how to' then drop me a line/email to find out more.Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-3336481240707585782009-12-06T20:43:00.006+00:002010-01-08T17:17:55.254+00:00Photoshop tutorial-Extending the background of a photographAt the first of our new <span style="font-weight:bold;">InSight Workshop's</span> I mentioned to the attendees that to create the kind of photos where the subject/model is on a plain black background and positioned to the left or right I don't actually photograph it that way. To get the desired look I actually extend the background in photoshop, so to show how (& why) I do this I've attached a short video tutorial:<br />
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<object width="460" height="290"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lwigGNLV8FI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lwigGNLV8FI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="460" height="290"></embed></object><br />
This technique can be used to extend any background with a solid colour really quickly. You could also extend a background that has a gradient to it ie goes from dark to light grey or whatever but this would certainly take alot more time and effort to make it look believable. Me? ... I want to work through my editing as quickly as possible so I can spend more time behind the camera.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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*If you'd like to view the video in a larger window, you could visit my YouTube Channel by clicking on this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GlynDewis">link.</a>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-24405103689968886802009-12-03T01:10:00.017+00:002010-01-08T17:12:42.063+00:00InSight Photography Workshop - Test PhaseDuring the first quarter of 2010 I plan to launch a new Photography/Lighting Workshop that I'm calling the <span style="font-weight:bold;">'InSight - From Concept to Print'</span>. This one day course will be designed to teach how to take an 'idea', light it, photograph it and then finally edit & prepare it ready for print.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxorlF71RAI/AAAAAAAACIA/ST8Ih0HZkTY/s1600-h/_GAD4526.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxorlF71RAI/AAAAAAAACIA/ST8Ih0HZkTY/s320/_GAD4526.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411685818487358466" /></a><br />
The content is very much in the development phase at the moment which is why between now and when the course goes 'live' I'm running a series of <span style="font-style:italic;">'testers'</span>. The <span style="font-style:italic;">'testers'</span> or <span style="font-style:italic;">'mini courses'</span> I'm using to get out and teach off camera flash techniques but the main objective is to get masses of feedback so that I can over time, fine tune what it is I want to deliver and how. <br />
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The first 'InSight' Workshop <span style="font-style:italic;">tester</span> was held last week in Old Amersham on what turned out to be a very cold and wet November day. I met up with the five photographers who were attending at around 11.30am in Starbucks, for the essential coffee, where we talked through kit and then ventured outside to go through an overview of how to use the cameras 'Manual' controls to get the desired look in the photo.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxosItWsxMI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Z071OBM_szk/s1600-h/_MG_1531.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxosItWsxMI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Z071OBM_szk/s320/_MG_1531.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411686430364452034" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxosSTHAE7I/AAAAAAAACIY/TPntGFmiu-8/s1600-h/_GAD4490.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxosSTHAE7I/AAAAAAAACIY/TPntGFmiu-8/s320/_GAD4490.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411686595117978546" /></a><br />
The rest of the afternoon was spent photographing our model Caroline, who very kindly gave up her own time to help out. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sxosgv8HIWI/AAAAAAAACIg/Z94Q0XUEyRs/s1600-h/_GAD4497.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sxosgv8HIWI/AAAAAAAACIg/Z94Q0XUEyRs/s320/_GAD4497.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411686843375100258" /></a><br />
The weather played a big part in how the afternoon progressed but by no means put a 'dampener' on things as we managed to work through a couple of 'in the open' shots before the heavens opened and the rain came down but then ventured into a covered brick market place which then gave us a few more lighting options.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxosxKJbRKI/AAAAAAAACIo/mtw6XPGasHQ/s1600-h/_MG_1551.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxosxKJbRKI/AAAAAAAACIo/mtw6XPGasHQ/s320/_MG_1551.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411687125288174754" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxouHFqL_4I/AAAAAAAACI4/zcLeE_vc7lc/s1600-h/_GAD4521_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SxouHFqL_4I/AAAAAAAACI4/zcLeE_vc7lc/s320/_GAD4521_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411688601552158594" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sxos-hhtIcI/AAAAAAAACIw/9r-SZlJimsM/s1600-h/_GAD4575.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sxos-hhtIcI/AAAAAAAACIw/9r-SZlJimsM/s320/_GAD4575.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411687354902323650" /></a><br />
Overall a great afternoon where it was clear that alot was learned both by the attendees and me.<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">NEXT WORKSHOP DATE:</span><br />
I plan to hold another 'tester' Workshop on the <span style="font-weight:bold;">19th December 2009</span> in Windsor, Berkshire. The numbers are limited to six photographers so if you'd like to come along then please get in touch by email and I'll send you out more details. <br />
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*NB...The 'tester' workshops are free to attendees; all I ask is that you give brutal, honest feedback (I've got broad shoulders so I can take it)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-27747709936666337192009-11-24T19:07:00.010+00:002010-01-08T17:12:56.003+00:00Desperate times call for desperate measures...Being someone who prefers to photograph in the great outdoors can be somewhat tricky at times when you have to depend on the Great British Weather to play ball. Well, this past weekend I was down in deepest Surrey to photograph my brother in law, Bill and his family but Mr Rain & his close friend Mr High Wind made one heck of an appearance so that put pay to what we had planned. However, desperate times call for desperate measures so we re-scheduled! ... but I did take some photos.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwwygKCi5FI/AAAAAAAACHY/aSZT9cU96uc/s1600/ASHLEY_1a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwwygKCi5FI/AAAAAAAACHY/aSZT9cU96uc/s320/ASHLEY_1a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407752780597355602" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Swwx6zPCz3I/AAAAAAAACHQ/52-JZekUbkA/s1600/ASHLEYx3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Swwx6zPCz3I/AAAAAAAACHQ/52-JZekUbkA/s320/ASHLEYx3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407752138820603762" /></a><br />
These shots are of my nephew Ashley; a great little guy who is one mean 'Gamer'. Trust me you do<span style="font-weight:bold;"> not</span> want to challenge him on X-Box, PlayStation and whatever other gaming consoles there are out there. I tell you, seeing his fingers in action on the controller would make Clarke Kent look like a slow coach!<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sww0egYmkRI/AAAAAAAACH4/BbD4pOo3PRw/s1600/ASHLEY_9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Sww0egYmkRI/AAAAAAAACH4/BbD4pOo3PRw/s320/ASHLEY_9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407754951258968338" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwwyvaGxU8I/AAAAAAAACHo/fYVLTKeYDso/s1600/ASHLEY_7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwwyvaGxU8I/AAAAAAAACHo/fYVLTKeYDso/s320/ASHLEY_7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407753042608083906" /></a><br />
These photos were taken in the family living room using just one Nikon SB800 Speedlight and my other favourite piece of kit, a 60" Reflective Umbrella. The black background was achieved by controlling the shutter speed on my D3; something I'll be covering in the upcoming InSight Workshops.<br />
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Enjoy :o)Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-23884124084564184902009-11-21T21:47:00.008+00:002010-01-08T17:13:08.146+00:00Photo Shoot / Impromptu WorkshopYesterday afternoon I was over in Egham, Surrey with <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/10/trash-dress-well-sort-of.html">Dave & Michelle-Caton Richards</a> for the second part of their <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/10/insight-from-concept-to-print-episode-2.html">'Trash-ish' the Dress</a> Photo Shoot. However, because of 'changeable' weather (to put it politely) we decided to re-schedule so I suggested Dave bring along his camera and we all head up to a local beauty spot known as 'Virginia Water' for an impromptu photo shoot come Mini Workshop. <br />
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Here's a few images of Michelle taken using a single Nikon SB800 Speedlight and Reflective Umbrella.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwhjSau_-mI/AAAAAAAACHA/2jPRcEzqNKc/s1600/_GAD4349-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwhjSau_-mI/AAAAAAAACHA/2jPRcEzqNKc/s320/_GAD4349-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406680520723528290" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Swhi9Bp190I/AAAAAAAACGw/3sAuIARdbh0/s1600/_GAD4340-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/Swhi9Bp190I/AAAAAAAACGw/3sAuIARdbh0/s320/_GAD4340-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406680153213761346" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwhjLKbcOGI/AAAAAAAACG4/zJkXVNSmUrQ/s1600/_GAD4334-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwhjLKbcOGI/AAAAAAAACG4/zJkXVNSmUrQ/s320/_GAD4334-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406680396087441506" /></a><br />
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More to come this week including details about the new website and blog launching very soon,<br />
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Bye for now.Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2735513774232643595.post-20493989608437682922009-11-18T19:15:00.014+00:002010-01-08T17:13:17.310+00:00The Atlanta OneLight ExperienceWell if I'm honest, I'm sat here with mixed feelings...Motivated, excited but also a little bit flat; only natural I guess when a week you've been looking forward to comes and goes way too quickly. You see last week I was fortunate enough to spend some time over in Atlanta, Georgia USA with photographer <a href="http://glyndewis.blogspot.com/2009/02/must-watch-video.html">Zack Arias</a> and take part in his now world famous <a href="http://www.onelightworkshop.com/">OneLight</a> Workshop. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRNdSNrVyI/AAAAAAAACFY/p833HMADYRQ/s1600/_GAD4200-42.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRNdSNrVyI/AAAAAAAACFY/p833HMADYRQ/s320/_GAD4200-42.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405530618252187426" /></a><br />
I could go on and on about what an incredible experience it was... and believe me it was! Zack, aside from being a truly gifted photographer and teacher is without doubt one of the most generous, warm and honest people I've ever met. <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRTqa7Wl3I/AAAAAAAACGY/k3SREV4eI1M/s1600/_GAD4191-33.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRTqa7Wl3I/AAAAAAAACGY/k3SREV4eI1M/s320/_GAD4191-33.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405537440999315314" /></a><br />
I first met Zack, his wife Meghan and other team members Sherri and Erik the night before the workshop at what Zack calls a 'Mixer'. This is where he opens the studio to any photographer in the area to pop in for a chat and chill out, but not just that there's also a large spread of food and drink available too, and this is FREE to anyone who wants to pop in. Unbelievable! <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRT3ZzjkLI/AAAAAAAACGg/B-JtZM25KAs/s1600/_GAD4183-25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRT3ZzjkLI/AAAAAAAACGg/B-JtZM25KAs/s320/_GAD4183-25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405537664036475058" /></a><br />
Needless to say we had a great night, leaving in the early hours of Wednesday morning, only to return at 9.30am for the Workshop.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRNsSv4q0I/AAAAAAAACFg/MtNzGzZjPs4/s1600/_GAD4178-23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRNsSv4q0I/AAAAAAAACFg/MtNzGzZjPs4/s320/_GAD4178-23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405530876093705026" /></a><br />
The Workshop itself was a packed day of teaching and shooting, full on from start to finish which I hasten to add was 2am the following morning; in Zack's own words "I'll keep talking and teaching until you're done". <br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRN6QbZ-yI/AAAAAAAACFo/QTQkyI4Se_g/s1600/_GAD4237-76.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRN6QbZ-yI/AAAAAAAACFo/QTQkyI4Se_g/s320/_GAD4237-76.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405531115989105442" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRUGLq3tYI/AAAAAAAACGo/8pBrfud4Hps/s1600/_GAD4211-50.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwRUGLq3tYI/AAAAAAAACGo/8pBrfud4Hps/s320/_GAD4211-50.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405537917939987842" /></a><br />
I'm a firm believer that no-one knows it all, and we constantly need to keep studying this craft so to get the chance to spend some time with Zack was an experience I'll never forget for a whole host of reasons; how much I learned, the generosity and the new friendships to name but a few.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwROChV015I/AAAAAAAACFw/tk8WfrFBu-c/s1600/_GAD4177-22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwROChV015I/AAAAAAAACFw/tk8WfrFBu-c/s320/_GAD4177-22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405531257968056210" /></a><br />
Thank you to Zack, his wife Meghan and team Sherri and Erik for making me feel so welcome and for an experience I'll never forget; I look forward to catching up with you in 2010.<br />
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* Here's a few photographs of some of the other attendees, Sarah McGee and John Shim:<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwROlmChR5I/AAAAAAAACGI/JFWSIvevwWk/s1600/_GAD4284-104.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwROlmChR5I/AAAAAAAACGI/JFWSIvevwWk/s320/_GAD4284-104.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405531860524681106" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwROtUwS42I/AAAAAAAACGQ/D2lNSL_DAdQ/s1600/_GAD4293-110.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GhT__6naECQ/SwROtUwS42I/AAAAAAAACGQ/D2lNSL_DAdQ/s320/_GAD4293-110.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405531993323791202" /></a>Glyn Dewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570677181693098102noreply@blogger.com4