Monochrome Shooting Tip…
I know that many people prefer to capture their shots in colour, then create their black and white results afterwards in their software. And there is certainly nothing wrong with that, as there are greater options at that stage certainly. However, shooting with your camera in monochrome mode can help us ‘visualise’ better the way the tones and contrast come together in a black and white shot. I like to do this when reviewing what we has just been captured. It helps me think without the distraction of colour.
The good news is that shots saved as a ‘raw’ file. or in Nikon’s terms an NEF (Nikon Electronic Format), can be turned back to colour later as well if desired.
End. (21/12/09).
Seeing my world…
I am often asked about the equipment I use and try to give not only an honest answer, but also one that takes into account what it is that someone wants to do. In that context they may be better advised to take a different path to the one I travel. And I am happy to acknowledge that. It is never a bad idea to work backwards, decide what it is you are going to do, then what you need to accomplish it.
In real world photography that may mean that rather than try and buy lenses for ever conceivable focal length, which is an approach many starting out have, it is better to get what you need for your subject and approach. That often means you have similar or even duplicate options at some focal lengths and gaps elsewhere as in my case. So rather than look at the missing numbers in focal lengths that you have, try a more considered approach based on what you do not what you may think you want to do. It usually pays dividends.
One of the comments I make though that often surprises, is that I use micro/macro lenses a lot, not just for eye-catching close-ups and product photography, but much of my people imagery also.
Depending on your brand these are called ‘micro’ as in the case of a Micro-Nikkor lens, while others call a similar performing optic a ‘macro’ lens.
End. (21/12/09).
Nikon Wireless Speedlight Photography Workshop (London)
Event Details
Nikon Wireless Speedlight Photography
When: November 13th 2009
Where: Nikon Uk Ltd Kingston-Upon-Thames
Stages Of Content: 2-3
Ideal for photographers who have attended our level 1 Speedlight Workshop or who have reached a similar level of expertise, this next level takes off from there and majors around using multiple wireless flash.
After explaining the theory of setting up various Speedlight combinations in an easy to follow step-by-step way, we then combine that with actual shooting of more professional level images so delegates leave with shots to use as a back-up reference of the days content.
Fun and information packed, I also show some of the other accessories I often use to maximise what off camera wireless flash can achieve.
In short this workshop provides the basis for a lifetime of wireless flash creativity for the enthusiast or professional with content applicable across numerous types of photography. For more information and or to book:
Nikon Digital Black & White Photography Workshop Levels 1-3
When:
Friday November 20th 2009
Where:
Nikon Uk Ltd Kingston-Upon-Thames London
Level Of Content 1-3
I am always pleased to run my black and white workshops. There is simply something special about good monochrome image, some would say with more artistic merit than colour? That said I know some people simply do not get excited by it and of course respect that. And in truth most images that are sold today are of course colour ones. But there are corporate brands and plenty of ‘fine-art’ shooters to show that it has a definite niche. This workshop has been a very well received event previously and if you wish to get into ‘mono’ or simply to make sure in a one day intensive course that your skills are progressing as they should this, day could be for you.
Completely focused on using Nikon’s “Total Imaging System’ of cameras, lenses and software, we take things in a step-by-step way from initial levels to some advanced techniques suitable for the beginner or those simply pressed for time, on to accommodate much higher knowledge and skill levels. We look for example at the increasingly controllable in-camera capabilities and alongside consider key aspects of metering and exposure. Further manipulation stages onto high quality output are tackled. The software stages are tackled mostly with the latest version of Nikon Capture NX software, but also with some aspects of Adobe Photoshop.
For more information and or to book:
John Clements/Nikon Black & White Digital Photography
Main Image Info:
I had just finished shooting something else entirely, the kit was packed away and the return journey started. I saw this ‘mobile’ gate and as my mind was still in ‘image mode’ I saw the shot straight away. So out came the 105mm f/2.8 G AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor, which was hand held on a D3x @ 1/1600th sec and f/4.
I took just a few frames before the composition was nailed with small adjustments between each image. Working the subject this way pays dividends once you know you have the right subject.
Images were captured as monochrome in camera but I did overide Matrix metering to create the effect I was after. Tonal adjustments then sharpening were done in Nikon Capture NX 2 software.
© John Clements D3x > Aperture Priority > Capture NX
Pro Tip:
If the subject and situation allows, why not experiment a little with such things as metering and exposure? In order to know that you have the best result, it often easier when you have something else to compare it with. Here spot metering was the basis for the shots I liked best.
Main Image: Nikon D2HS > 105mm f/2.8D Micro-Nikkor > Adobe Photoshop.