Stormy skies–You can apply a gradient under filter in Photoshop to get this image or you can use a neutral density graduated filter over the lens. I like getting it “in camera.â€
When you live in Southern California where the weather is generally boring, many photographers forget to get outside with their cameras when it rains.
When else will you get the different looking vistas in your landscapes?
Let me guess, you’re one of those who shoots your subjects on chromakey backdrops in the studio and then you pluck them out and place them on a different layer in Photoshop on a background of their choosing.
No, it’s not cheating.
I play a sport which many in the US might consider “girly†called badminton with mostly Southeast Asians. Many of them are medical professionals like doctors.
Inevitably the post game conversation will always lead to the poor doctor being peppered with questions like, “I have a pain in this part, gesturing to show body part, do you think it’s serious?â€
When my badminton buddies learn I’m a photographer, you can guess what they want to know, can’t you?
Know your gear–That usually means how to use not just the camera but the software whether it’s Lightroom, iPhoto, Photoshop or even just Picasa. Never wait till an important job to try something new.
I got a frantic email the other day from a former student, now a pretty good friend. He needed to hire me as his photo assistant.
He’s been doing a lot of work for the local university specifically their athletic department.
Retired and obviously not needing the money, he loves shooting and I think the university is getting a great deal.
They provide him with season tickets and he does whatever they want him to do whenever they need him. In return he gets to shoot a lot of sports.
I highly recommend doing that if you are really into sports.
But there comes a time when you have to pay heed to what Dirty Harry says “Man’s got to know his limitations.â€
I’ve gone through my share of phases. In this post, I’m coming clean.
See if I’m an aberrant, an anomaly.
Lusting over Gear
I really can’t say I’ll ever outgrow this one. It’s an ongoing  battle which my wife–the breadwinner– wins each time.
Except these days, the evil camera manufacturers have enlisted software  and computer makers like Apple, in my case. Once you get an Apple computer, pack it in. You’re toast.
If you can’t resist, drive to the nearest Apple store and fondle some of their floor models and get your fix. Leave the plastic (credit card) at home. Continue reading My Phases of Photography Part 1→
Photo tips from a creative Southern California photographer
