Comments on: video episode 26, outdoor portraits #2

By: ken davis

ken davis — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:24:34 +0000

Hi Jim,
I notice that most photographers use a large lense like 70-200 and back away from their subject when taking pictures, portraits etc….
What is the advantage & disadvantages of using a 18-55 lense and getting closer to your subject.

Ken

By: MainePhotoNut

MainePhotoNut — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:07:37 +0000

Hi Jim,

Well, after reading all the comments and your responses to them…all my questions that I had were answred!

I’ve just recently subscribed to your videos on Youtube, and thus far I have found them extremely helpful. I wanted to thank you for putting the time and effort into creating these videos.

If I decide to purchase some of those aluminum tube frames, I’ll follow the links from your blog.

Kevin

By: dewo

dewo — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:00:14 +0000

hello jim, nice video with the replector thinks… first time i see photo in magazine i thought they used so many studio lighting to made it, but when i see your video is open my eyes is very helpfull with minimalist buged we can made beautifull photo..

thank you for the tips

dewo - Hamburg

By: Felix

Felix — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:04:26 +0000

Hello Jim!
By reading Kiyoshi’s comment I was convinced you might want to know that your instructive and informative videos are a great benefit to photographers (or advanced rookies like me) all around the world.
I watched your videos about portraits from Germany and recommend them to all my friends interested in photography, because they are real easy to understand - even for us here in Bavaria…

By: Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:41:35 +0000

HI,Jim. I watch this hp from Japan. I found it very helpful and informative. Your explanation is easy and clear to understand for even non native speakers of English like me. I appreciate your effort to produce a new video everyweek.

By: Jim Talkington

Jim Talkington — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:29:25 +0000

Hey NormMonkey, I didn’t use the laptop on this particular series…because somebody “dropped the ball” and forgot to bring the charger for it and the battery died. Oh, that would be me.

I did use the camera’s LCD screen for this series but the main thing relied upon were watching the histogram and the overexposure warning. The visual image is used for composition but not for judging exposure.

I also used autofocus and always confirm with every shot that the focus spot is on the face and lighting up correctly. When there’s a break in the action I’ll zoom in 100% on a recent exposure to make sure focus looks good.

Whether shooting tethered or to the card I kind of build where the shoot is going, testing exposure and focus, letting the subject get comfortable and confirming to myself that the technical details are all in place. Then I let them know it’s “go time” and we’re taking actual exposures.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:55:16 +0000

I am looking at doing a similar shoot in the very near future for a couple who recently had twins using my 40D and the 50MM 1.8 - A couple of quick questions - 1) I only have one reflector, would you recommend fill flash? I have a 430EX and a diffuser. 2) This lens is really sharp, I want to make sure the whole family is in focus with a nice background blur, what aperture would you recommend? F4?

Thanks,

Bruce

By: NormMonkey

NormMonkey — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:31:08 +0000

Hi Jim,

Another outstanding, instructive video!

Was your laptop hanging around out of frame? Do you always have your camera tethered on shoots? I really appreciate the ’start with a basic exposure and go from there’ approach and I wonder how crucial the laptop is.

Is there enough detail in the camera’s little screen for “chimping” your way from starting exposure to the keeper? Any comments on issues with the screen’s representation of detail, esp. contrast?

By: John Brainard

John Brainard — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:13:18 +0000

Thanks Jim! There are definitely times when I could have benefited from the extra aperture and image stabilization. I have had to pass up too many shots of deer while driving around because my Sigma 70-300mm lens just can’t handle it. I’ll bet the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 with extension tubes would be a great lens for close up shots outside.

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:04:15 +0000

Hey Jim,
I was wondering if you would catch the “lobster” hand she had going on there, and you did! Just before the keeper you shot! Nice work

Thanks for posting the video. Keep ‘em coming, it’s nice to see how other’s are doing things.