coffee-shop class
coffee-shop class #9: wrap-up
10.15.08
a few hours ago, a few local denver photographers
assembled for this month’s coffee-shop class to explore
a bit more about lighting with video lights
then creating the resulting photoshop
composite. the idea was learning how to do
more with less, using a pair of simple $30
video lights. each subject was lit with two
lights, each held by a human.
a few things we learned:
- when using video lights, maintain equal distance to subject, otherwise the lighting ratios change. hence, thus, and furthermore, if you are shooting on a series of images in manual mode, subject exposure will vary. note to self.
- pre-visualization is helpful to avoid overlapping subjects that could create more post-processing work (note the left shoulder of kevin featured on the far left... see how it overlapped = more post-production in the end. the goal is to keep it simple and capture as much in camera as possible. in the below shot, kevin was a human bowling pin.... as we set up the shot, it placed small pieces of paper so he knew where to stand (note three white dots near his feet)
- pre-visualize with intent. don’t forget to ask yourself WHY. the possibilities are limitless.
- shoot with a consistent ambient background light. the slightest change will make post-production a pain (see the second image below).
- don’t forget to shoot the background as intended. otherwise, you will be left with fewer options for background layer manipulation.
- a tripod makes the photoshop compositing a breeze.
- a single flashlight does not work as well as two small video lights. the added diffusion and fill from a second light sources helps to remove harsh shadows.
the basic idea is that this is actually SIX photos (5 of kevin and one of the background), then each was pasted as a new layer and then a layer mask was applied on just the area of interest (i.e. the subject in each pose). the resulting layers were merged into one.
kevin von qualen’s band shot:
folks who do not know kevin... he really doesn’t have a band, but if he was able to clone himself four times over, the above shot is what *they* could look like :)
the coffee-shop class photo, featuring trish eberlin, kevin von qualen, vanessa kruse, and moi (leff to right):
one thing we learned from this shot was that the ambient light was changing very quickly, so when we took each of the composite shots, the background changed every so slightly to render the odd-fake look in the sky. if i spent a few more minutes in photoshop, i could have cleaned it up... but then you wouldn’t see what i’m talking about.
a few things we learned:
- when using video lights, maintain equal distance to subject, otherwise the lighting ratios change. hence, thus, and furthermore, if you are shooting on a series of images in manual mode, subject exposure will vary. note to self.
- pre-visualization is helpful to avoid overlapping subjects that could create more post-processing work (note the left shoulder of kevin featured on the far left... see how it overlapped = more post-production in the end. the goal is to keep it simple and capture as much in camera as possible. in the below shot, kevin was a human bowling pin.... as we set up the shot, it placed small pieces of paper so he knew where to stand (note three white dots near his feet)
- pre-visualize with intent. don’t forget to ask yourself WHY. the possibilities are limitless.
- shoot with a consistent ambient background light. the slightest change will make post-production a pain (see the second image below).
- don’t forget to shoot the background as intended. otherwise, you will be left with fewer options for background layer manipulation.
- a tripod makes the photoshop compositing a breeze.
- a single flashlight does not work as well as two small video lights. the added diffusion and fill from a second light sources helps to remove harsh shadows.
the basic idea is that this is actually SIX photos (5 of kevin and one of the background), then each was pasted as a new layer and then a layer mask was applied on just the area of interest (i.e. the subject in each pose). the resulting layers were merged into one.
kevin von qualen’s band shot:
folks who do not know kevin... he really doesn’t have a band, but if he was able to clone himself four times over, the above shot is what *they* could look like :)
the coffee-shop class photo, featuring trish eberlin, kevin von qualen, vanessa kruse, and moi (leff to right):
one thing we learned from this shot was that the ambient light was changing very quickly, so when we took each of the composite shots, the background changed every so slightly to render the odd-fake look in the sky. if i spent a few more minutes in photoshop, i could have cleaned it up... but then you wouldn’t see what i’m talking about.
...
coffee-shop class #9: lighting within the camera frame
10.11.08
“lighting within the frame” opens up a whole new case of flash flavor to photography.
you will not wan to miss this next coffee-shop class! we'll go over the techniques as taught by john michael cooper at the image-x ’08 workshop a few days ago. after spending a day picking his brain, learning some new lighting techniques, i am excited to share them with you.... alt-f has given me the two thumbs permission to teach this special class!
part 1: we'll cover the basics of using a continuous light sources, such as a video light, modeling lights, or even a simple flash light, to light the subject with ease in ANY conditions with minimal equipment. folks, this is the strobist philosophy we totally subscribe to! we’ll start with something simple as i explain the technique employed to create my image of the “queen of hearts” here:
then, we’ll take one step further with a simple technique of light painting (as scene down below) and talk about creative options to lighting different people at different times and paint them into a single composite. my snap shot below was taken aside john while explaining his technique of lightpainting. this is really HIS idea for the shot, but i using it to explain what we’ll be doing.
part 2: we'll explore the post-processing in photoshop to merge the series of photographs into one stellar image in less than 10 minutes. we’ll go over briefly some CS3 creative tools the boutwell's totally rad actions that are paramount to our post-processing “look.”
who: those wanting to step outside the box and light within
when: wednesday, october 15, 2008 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm
where: Ink! Coffee, 1590 little raven street in denver, 80202. for those who like
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other denver photographers
cost: *free,* as always.
what to bring: (optional) camera, tripod, video light, flash light/tissue paper, or small softbox with strobe with a modeling light.
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below. class size limited to 10 due to the size of the coffee shop & technical nature of the material.
homework: have a look at some of john’s visionary work from new orleans to get an idea of some of the techniques we'll be employing.
____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
coffee-shop class #8: wrap-up
09.09.08
as the old chinese proverb goes, “ you can give a
man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. you can teach a
man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.”
while i am no teacher of fisherman, a few from the denver photography community enjoyed tonight’s coffee-shop class. the goal of our 90 minutes was to explore simple one-light techniques on metering with a flash. the cliff notes version goes like this... when using off-camera lighting:
1. be the boss of your camera: shoot in manual
2. remember every image has two exposures: the subject and the background. the shutter speed controls background exposure while aperture controls subject exposure.
chatti & matt from savady photography with john heisel (lower left), doing his thing:
here’s our group self-portrait shot putting together a bit of what was discussed (pictured left-to-right: kevin von qualen, moi, jennifer schumacher, dawn gioia, cheri pica, vania hardtle, chatti & matt from savady photography, john heisel, and steve gaudin).
tech notes: manual metered using a nikon d-700, 28-70mm lens, 1/180 at f/8, iso 100, white balance 5300K, and lit with a lumedyne strobe at 100 W/S at distance of 10-12 feet:
while i am no teacher of fisherman, a few from the denver photography community enjoyed tonight’s coffee-shop class. the goal of our 90 minutes was to explore simple one-light techniques on metering with a flash. the cliff notes version goes like this... when using off-camera lighting:
1. be the boss of your camera: shoot in manual
2. remember every image has two exposures: the subject and the background. the shutter speed controls background exposure while aperture controls subject exposure.
chatti & matt from savady photography with john heisel (lower left), doing his thing:
here’s our group self-portrait shot putting together a bit of what was discussed (pictured left-to-right: kevin von qualen, moi, jennifer schumacher, dawn gioia, cheri pica, vania hardtle, chatti & matt from savady photography, john heisel, and steve gaudin).
tech notes: manual metered using a nikon d-700, 28-70mm lens, 1/180 at f/8, iso 100, white balance 5300K, and lit with a lumedyne strobe at 100 W/S at distance of 10-12 feet:
coffee-shop class #8: metering with a flash
09.06.08
missed
any coffee-shop
classes? now’s your
chance to catch up. in the next
coffee-shop class, we'll discuss a hodgepodge
of lighting 101 questions and go over the
kern-photo style of metering with an
off-camera flash. we’ll also cover some spiffy
photoshop tricks and address some hot
business-related questions.
there’ll be a special surprise guest, there to share some of her experiences as well. you won’t want to miss this back to school special!
who: those wanting to some basic off-camera lighting tricks and a bit more about creatively enhancing images
when: tuesday, sept 9, 2008 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm
where: forza coffee company, 3013 W 104th Ave in westminster, 80031, map.
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other photographers
cost: *free,* as always.
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below. class size limited to 10 due to the size of the coffee shop.
____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
there’ll be a special surprise guest, there to share some of her experiences as well. you won’t want to miss this back to school special!
who: those wanting to some basic off-camera lighting tricks and a bit more about creatively enhancing images
when: tuesday, sept 9, 2008 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm
where: forza coffee company, 3013 W 104th Ave in westminster, 80031, map.
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other photographers
cost: *free,* as always.
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below. class size limited to 10 due to the size of the coffee shop.
____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
private mentoring w/ shannon & robert
09.04.08
i got a phone call from florida a few weeks ago:
“we’re shooting our first wedding and need your
help,” robert said. “we’re flying in to colorado
a few days early and would love to meet you.”
minutes later, their private mentoring photo session was booked.
robert and his wife, shannon, met with me for a few hours last week. the team did the best thing new photographers could do when first starting out: ask lots of questions, learn, then put those experiences immediately to use.
i asked both of them to come up with goals that they’d like to accomplish in our mentoring session. among the things we covered: learning how to shoot in manual mode, raw vs jpeg, how to meter for optimal exposure, selecting which lenses to use & when, learn how to (or when not to) use the flash, figuring out focusing options, roles of a husband & wife team during the day, and how to be yourself while stepping outside the box of traditional wedding photography.... all that in a few hours!
the next day the team invited me back for seconds. armed with the basics, we delved deeper into things like how to “create a candid moment,” buisness 101 tips, and some off-camera flash basics. it sunk in. they will be an amazing team haven chosen the path of a fast track photographer!
before even shooting with a flash/strobe, i emphasized we rarely use a flash for our casual, fun portraits. simple things like sitting under a tree can yield awesome natural light. in addition, on a hot day, this can help the clients relax and not overheat. more important than depth of field or traditional composition, capturing thedecisive fun moment is what makes a
signature, lovable photo :)
then we busted out a single off-camera strobe for lighting 101. showing them the back of the camera helped create confidence & fun.
the below picture is what i showed them on camera, which segued nicely into explaining that making something from nothing is what creativity is all about. using a simple tools of lighting and turning a not-so-hot shot into something a point-and-shoot can’t snap is one recipe for success (all the while explaining that the technical aspects can interfer with a nice conversation flow and genuine humor).
i positioned shannon & robert side in the sun for the image on the left. eh. on the right, i used a single flash off-camera strobe to fill in shadows and bring up the exposure on the subjects. notice the sky and the background is the same, the only difference is the lovey-dovey subjects are now happily lit :)
... a fairly simple technique with uber profound and unlimited creative potential.
now, the camera turns. it is up to shannon & robert to practice what they learned. “wow!” she said. the lightbulb went on. easy peasy.
sidenote: my brother still teases me about my 1990s vintage oakley sunglasses, like i’m some volleyball star.
minutes later, their private mentoring photo session was booked.
robert and his wife, shannon, met with me for a few hours last week. the team did the best thing new photographers could do when first starting out: ask lots of questions, learn, then put those experiences immediately to use.
i asked both of them to come up with goals that they’d like to accomplish in our mentoring session. among the things we covered: learning how to shoot in manual mode, raw vs jpeg, how to meter for optimal exposure, selecting which lenses to use & when, learn how to (or when not to) use the flash, figuring out focusing options, roles of a husband & wife team during the day, and how to be yourself while stepping outside the box of traditional wedding photography.... all that in a few hours!
the next day the team invited me back for seconds. armed with the basics, we delved deeper into things like how to “create a candid moment,” buisness 101 tips, and some off-camera flash basics. it sunk in. they will be an amazing team haven chosen the path of a fast track photographer!
before even shooting with a flash/strobe, i emphasized we rarely use a flash for our casual, fun portraits. simple things like sitting under a tree can yield awesome natural light. in addition, on a hot day, this can help the clients relax and not overheat. more important than depth of field or traditional composition, capturing the
then we busted out a single off-camera strobe for lighting 101. showing them the back of the camera helped create confidence & fun.
the below picture is what i showed them on camera, which segued nicely into explaining that making something from nothing is what creativity is all about. using a simple tools of lighting and turning a not-so-hot shot into something a point-and-shoot can’t snap is one recipe for success (all the while explaining that the technical aspects can interfer with a nice conversation flow and genuine humor).
i positioned shannon & robert side in the sun for the image on the left. eh. on the right, i used a single flash off-camera strobe to fill in shadows and bring up the exposure on the subjects. notice the sky and the background is the same, the only difference is the lovey-dovey subjects are now happily lit :)
... a fairly simple technique with uber profound and unlimited creative potential.
now, the camera turns. it is up to shannon & robert to practice what they learned. “wow!” she said. the lightbulb went on. easy peasy.
sidenote: my brother still teases me about my 1990s vintage oakley sunglasses, like i’m some volleyball star.
coffee-shop class #7: creative editing
07.18.08
did the computer kill the creative photographer AND the darkroom?
in the next coffee-shop class, we'll discuss some of our creative editing techniques we use to build image style & branding along with some of our simple editing recipes.
part 1: we'll cover the basics of using custom actions to polish an image including custom retouching. we'll show you first hand how we work, offering tips & tricks along the way.
part 2: we'll explore the process of building your own secret recipes to help streamline workflow and create consistency. among our arsenal of creative tools, we'll show you just how we use the tools of kevin kubota and the boutwell's totally rad actions along with their latest edition, tra2, the revenge.
who: those wanting to some advanced photoshop ps3 tricks to retouching and creatively enhancing images
when: wednesday, july 23, 2008 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm
where: Ink! Coffee, 1590 little raven street in denver, 80202. for those who like
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other denver photographers
cost: *free,* as always.
what to bring: (optional) images on disk you'd like to whip into something special
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below. class size limited to 8 due to the size of the coffee shop & technical nature of the material.
homework: have a look at some uber cool totally rad actions recipes made by some of the industries finest here. then, hop on over to [b]ecker's blog to see some of his photoshop friday tutorials.
____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
coffee-shop class #6: all about flare
06.10.08
... well, not really.
however, lens flare can be one of those 'happy misteaks' that can add drama and impact to your photography. while getting good images with natural sun flare isn't rocket science, did you know you can still get a similar effect after sunset or even indoors (like a wedding reception)? seriously.
in the next coffee-shop class, we'll discuss some good/bad ways of dealing with lens flare including: how get it the natural way and then how to create your own flare using a single off-camera flash (sans photoshop, of course :)
does removing your hood or filter increase or reduce your chances of getting flare? the answer may not be what you'd expect! we'll talk about the theory before putting it to practice using various lighting scenarios.
who: those wanting to learn more and play with lens flare created by both natural and artificial light sources
when: wednesday, june 25, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm (we'll do about 45 minutes inside, and the rest outside shooting and experimenting). plan on staying as long as you can to shoot in the "magic hour of light."
where: paris on the platte, 1553 platte street #102, denver, CO 80202, MAP. the coffee shop serves a variety of food & drinks and is located one block east of the denver rei downtown and walking distance from the 16th mall and rtd lightrail. on-street parking available, so bring quarters. we'll continue to explore the neighborhood after sunset.
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other denver photographers
cost: *free*
what to bring: camera and an assortment of lenses and a single off-camera flash/strobe
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below. class size limited to 10.
homework: bring some samples of your own work using flare to share with the group (either digital or prints).
____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
coffee-shop class #5: wrap-up
05.15.08
thanks to all who came out to the coffee-shop
class #5 last night. funny thing, no one
got coffee (darn, those happy hour prices :)
we all got some good learning on using those radiopoppers. a few even got a chance to fire off a few shots using high-speed flash sync, which seemed super contagious.
here's the role call of a few of denver's wedding, portrait, and sport photographers that made it to the class as pictured top left to bottom right: zach wear, trish eberlein, katie van buren, brad peterson, moi, rachel olsen, ashleigh weber, shannon kaple, and ross bothwell (invisible).
image below taken with a nikon d-300 using a nikon 28-70 f/2.8 lens zoomed out to 28mm with a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec @ f/2.8, iso 400 with a single sb-600 triggered in ttl mode (triggered with the radiopopper p1). try that with a pocketwizard!
we all got some good learning on using those radiopoppers. a few even got a chance to fire off a few shots using high-speed flash sync, which seemed super contagious.
here's the role call of a few of denver's wedding, portrait, and sport photographers that made it to the class as pictured top left to bottom right: zach wear, trish eberlein, katie van buren, brad peterson, moi, rachel olsen, ashleigh weber, shannon kaple, and ross bothwell (invisible).
image below taken with a nikon d-300 using a nikon 28-70 f/2.8 lens zoomed out to 28mm with a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec @ f/2.8, iso 400 with a single sb-600 triggered in ttl mode (triggered with the radiopopper p1). try that with a pocketwizard!
coffee-shop class #5: radiopoppers 101
05.08.08
Download HERE the awesome quicktime video by jared platt (14MB, 6 Minutes)
this month's coffee shop class is more of an exploratory learning about radiopoppers. if you check out the above video, this gets you pumped up, then attend this mini-class to begin learning how to use it. do not worry, you do not need purchase a set of radiopoppers.
this month's coffee-shop class covers why shooting with a flash sync of 1/6,000 of a second is cool and how using the radiopoppers can help you obtain a distinct look in your photography. cool in the sense like overpower the gajillion-watt sun with a tiny strobe cool. we'll cover why the are the next big thing in the arsenal of wedding / portrait photographers interested in using off-camera flash. but are they as good as the gold standard, pocketwizards? we'll being to explore firsthand.
who: those wanting to learn more about radiopoppers and a tad about off-camera flash.
what: a hands-on mini-workshop about triggering your ittl flash from something other than wireless (we're talking radio frequencies, here :) nikonians will be treated to some radiopopper fun, but canonians are welcome, too.
when: wednesday, may 14, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm (we'll do 45 minutes inside, 45 minutes outside)
where: maggiano's PARK MEADOWS (NOT the one in Denver... parking is too much of a pain. and, yes, they have the best italian hot coffee :). come early to grab some coffee/wine and a good seat. directions: 7401 S Clinton St, Englewood, CO 80112.
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other fellow photographers
cost: *free*
what to bring: camera and an assortment of lenses (nikon users are welcome to borrow my poppers :)
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below.
homework: check out this and this and this and of course the radiopopper blog here. seriously, people, do your homework for this one. you'll be glad you did.
here is a direct link to the radiopopper p1 owner's manual HERE (good bathroom reading material for hard-core strobists :)
and if you are interested in ready my initial review of the poppers, check it out here.
_____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
_____
coffee-shop class #3: wrap-up
03.26.08
we had a radtastic class of photographers attend
coffee-shop class #3 this evening. there were
lots of lightbulbs fiickering on upstairs, which
is the reason our
coffee-shop classes were started in the first
place.
one thing we talked about was how to selectively choose a background based on how well it will serve as an out of focus background. i chose a colorful graffiti wall and shot it deliberately out of focus by turning the manual focus on my lens until i liked what i saw. it thought it kinda looked like a watercolor painting or pastel smeared.... definately good enough for an available light portrait background:
you could try this technique on anything and may be surprise what creative stuff you could create!
the next step was to look at those little numbers on lens that tells me my distance in feet/meters to subject needed to focus (i had to remember to multiply 1.5 for the d-80 i was using). or you could just wing it and focus however you normally would... the key is to think about the out of focus before you shoot. that is the lesson here, folks.
i then needed a subject to drive my point home. the one and only paige elizabeth stepped right in to model :)
my 85mm lens said it would focus on anything at a distance of 4 feet on the depth of field preview measurement answer thingy, so i multiplied it by 1.5 in my head and told her to stand about 6 feet away. i fine tuned the focus on one eye (notice the other eye is slightly out of focus due to the shallow depth of field of f/1.4). i then i waited for a decent moment and snapped this shot:
no one would ever suspect the background to be graffiti, but the combination of good bokeh, shallow depth of field, and short working distance, worked to a decent effect. it helped that the alley we shot in had nice diffused light and we had a willing model readily available :)
before we went out to shoot, i gave a mini-lecture in starbucks which you can view by clicking HERE (careful: it is 11MB PDF download).
a special thanks to ken rockwell for posting a wonderful article on 85 mm bokeh comparision highlighting several of the topics we spoke about today. his images are worth 1,000 words.
mark your calendars for our next class on april 20 at 4:20pm meeting outside the denver art museum. smoke 'em if you got 'em. just kidding :)
i'll present on how to make a killer octabank-style softbox for under $50 that offers nearly identical light as this but for a $1,000 less. you will not want to miss this coffee-shop class!
ps- there will be a trash the dress session at 5pm at the denver art museum. i hope to be using my little invention during the shoot so you can see it in action.
one thing we talked about was how to selectively choose a background based on how well it will serve as an out of focus background. i chose a colorful graffiti wall and shot it deliberately out of focus by turning the manual focus on my lens until i liked what i saw. it thought it kinda looked like a watercolor painting or pastel smeared.... definately good enough for an available light portrait background:
you could try this technique on anything and may be surprise what creative stuff you could create!
the next step was to look at those little numbers on lens that tells me my distance in feet/meters to subject needed to focus (i had to remember to multiply 1.5 for the d-80 i was using). or you could just wing it and focus however you normally would... the key is to think about the out of focus before you shoot. that is the lesson here, folks.
i then needed a subject to drive my point home. the one and only paige elizabeth stepped right in to model :)
my 85mm lens said it would focus on anything at a distance of 4 feet on the depth of field preview measurement answer thingy, so i multiplied it by 1.5 in my head and told her to stand about 6 feet away. i fine tuned the focus on one eye (notice the other eye is slightly out of focus due to the shallow depth of field of f/1.4). i then i waited for a decent moment and snapped this shot:
no one would ever suspect the background to be graffiti, but the combination of good bokeh, shallow depth of field, and short working distance, worked to a decent effect. it helped that the alley we shot in had nice diffused light and we had a willing model readily available :)
before we went out to shoot, i gave a mini-lecture in starbucks which you can view by clicking HERE (careful: it is 11MB PDF download).
a special thanks to ken rockwell for posting a wonderful article on 85 mm bokeh comparision highlighting several of the topics we spoke about today. his images are worth 1,000 words.
mark your calendars for our next class on april 20 at 4:20pm meeting outside the denver art museum. smoke 'em if you got 'em. just kidding :)
i'll present on how to make a killer octabank-style softbox for under $50 that offers nearly identical light as this but for a $1,000 less. you will not want to miss this coffee-shop class!
ps- there will be a trash the dress session at 5pm at the denver art museum. i hope to be using my little invention during the shoot so you can see it in action.
coffee-shop class #3: using bokeh to the fullest
02.26.08
mark your calendars for coffee-shop class #3 on
wednesday, march 26 @ 4:30!
who: those wanting to harness the power of bokeh (boke).
what: a hands-on approach to learning how to control the quality of your out-of-focus backgrounds when shooting, specifically the highlights and out-of-focus details. we'll cover how to pronounce the word, what it is, what it isn't, and more importantly, how it can add an elusive quality to your images that clients appreciate :)
when: wednesday, march 26, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm (we'll do 45 minutes inside, 45 minutes outside).
where: the starbucks inside the denver rei, take the 23rd street exit on I-25. come early to grab some coffee and a good seat.
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other fellow photographers
cost: *free*
what to bring: camera and an assortment of lenses (flash/tripod/reflectors/kitchen sink not needed)
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below.
homework: familiarize yourself with the wikipedia's definition of bokeh, then glance at will castlman's comparisons for nikon and canon lenses. for extra credit and more technical articles on bokeh and background blur, check out the writings by bob atkins and harold merklinger's understanding boke. as always, bring questions.
to see a few of the images from coffee-shop class #2, check gino siller's posting here.
_____
to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
_____
who: those wanting to harness the power of bokeh (boke).
what: a hands-on approach to learning how to control the quality of your out-of-focus backgrounds when shooting, specifically the highlights and out-of-focus details. we'll cover how to pronounce the word, what it is, what it isn't, and more importantly, how it can add an elusive quality to your images that clients appreciate :)
when: wednesday, march 26, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm (we'll do 45 minutes inside, 45 minutes outside).
where: the starbucks inside the denver rei, take the 23rd street exit on I-25. come early to grab some coffee and a good seat.
why: to teach and learn and have fun, plus an opportunity to network with other fellow photographers
cost: *free*
what to bring: camera and an assortment of lenses (flash/tripod/reflectors/kitchen sink not needed)
RSVP: in the comments section of the blog below.
homework: familiarize yourself with the wikipedia's definition of bokeh, then glance at will castlman's comparisons for nikon and canon lenses. for extra credit and more technical articles on bokeh and background blur, check out the writings by bob atkins and harold merklinger's understanding boke. as always, bring questions.
to see a few of the images from coffee-shop class #2, check gino siller's posting here.
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to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
if you are lost, call r. j. kern of kern-photo at 303.474.0983.
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coffee-shop class #2: creative lighting with gels
02.20.08
post-event note: gino siller posted some of his
favorite images here
from the event. thanks, gino!
who: "starving photographers eager to light".
what: friendly-approach learning the basics of using gels on flashes. we will focus techniques of how to balance ambient light with flash. we'll also cover how to sprinkle with the creative lighting juice. borat won't be there, we promise. to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
when: thursday, February 21, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm (we'll do 45 minutes inside, 45 minutes outside)
where: the press coffee company at 7150 w. alaska drive, in lakewood, 80226.
cost: *free*
what to bring: warm clothes, camera, flash (not all necessary)
RSVP below in the comments section of the blog.
homework: get inspired by a mayan trash the dress session article HERE. bring questions.
can't make it? our third coffee-shop class will be held on march 26, 2008 at 4:30 pm at the denver rei starbuck. topic: using bokeh to the fullest
extra credit: watch the movie below. take notes and let's share ideas.
who: "starving photographers eager to light".
what: friendly-approach learning the basics of using gels on flashes. we will focus techniques of how to balance ambient light with flash. we'll also cover how to sprinkle with the creative lighting juice. borat won't be there, we promise. to learn more about the kern-photo 'coffee-shop class,' click HERE.
when: thursday, February 21, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm (we'll do 45 minutes inside, 45 minutes outside)
where: the press coffee company at 7150 w. alaska drive, in lakewood, 80226.
cost: *free*
what to bring: warm clothes, camera, flash (not all necessary)
RSVP below in the comments section of the blog.
homework: get inspired by a mayan trash the dress session article HERE. bring questions.
can't make it? our third coffee-shop class will be held on march 26, 2008 at 4:30 pm at the denver rei starbuck. topic: using bokeh to the fullest
extra credit: watch the movie below. take notes and let's share ideas.
coffee-shop class #1: wrap-up
01.24.08
we had 7 photographers participate in our first
'coffee-shop class' and it was a hit. after
hitting some of the technical basics (and
networking:), we headed out for some
mini-assignments. one of the more challenging
ones was a self-group portrait using one light.
gino siller set this
shot up on his mini-assignment, facilitated
by "r2-d2," featured in the lower-right:
each photographer pulled from a hat a mini-assigment. while we didn't get to perform all of them, at least we got the creative brains thinking reading them out-loud. just case you were curious at what some of the assignments were, they are posted below. we each pulled assignments from a bag (think folded fortune-cookie paper). the next step was to prove our mettle (or at least try) and then get our learning on. here's a smattering of some of the 'coffee-shop class' assignments:
1. Self-portrait.
The scenario: It’s time to update your OSP profile photo (or match.com) and you have to get it done, like, now! Using your newly acquired skills, one off-camera flash, create a self-portrait with your camera destined to be different! You are welcome to use a lighting effect of your choosing! And don’t forget to set your timer!
2. Group self-portrait.
This assignment, should you choose to accept it, will be to produce a group photo for the class on the kern-photo blog using a lighting effect of your choosing. Make it fun. Keep it fresh. Have fun!
3. Rim light Special.
To add a little ‘pop’ and give your subject some depth, create a dynamic portrait featuring a subtle ‘rim light’ on your subject. Just remember, don’t blow it… ahem… your highlights, that is (pardon the cheese)!
4. Lighting someone with eye glasses.
You’ve been given two minutes to photograph a Nobel laureate who has just discovered the cure for cancer. You are in his office and have little natural light to work with. You want to show off the seriousness of his eyes, but do not want glare noticeable on his bifocals. What do you do? Now make it happen!!!
5. Stop action (jump).
“Aw, that’s cool,” is what you want to hear from your clients. You are on an engagement session, got some safe shots out of the way, but now it is time to use your lighting skills and take some chances. Using your uber cool camera skills, see if you can capture a couple jumping mid-air (without blurring) using your flash. He thinks he can jump. She thinks she can jump higher. See if your best shot can show the difference and reveal the winner! Brownie points given for fun expression, textured background, and wild hair.
6. How far can you go?
Nikon has tapped you on the shoulder to test the triggering capabilities of their wireless flash. This assignment is to see how far away you can trigger a light and have the light noticeable in your photograph. 50 feet? 100 feet? 150 feet?
7. Low-ceiling.
‘Bride-zilla’ is getting ready in small, dimly lit hotel room on a rainy day. She is totally bummed because this is HER day and she has always dreamed of a bright and airy feeling for her getting ready photos, but doesn’t want to look light a deer-in-the-headlights. What can you do to help? Now make it happen!!
8. Around a Corner.
Britney Spears just signed an endorsement with Starbucks (not really). People magazine wants YOUR photo for their cover. You’re on location and see her inside. You have a visual…. She is just about to walk out the door with her “2% Venti 2-pump chocolate mint de-caf Frappacino with sprinkles.” But wait, with all the paparazzi, there is no way you can get the line-o-site you need to fire your Speedlight. Your PocketWizards are at home. You have one assistant that can help. Now make it happen!!
9. Lightpaint a Car!
The batmobile just drove up and your little cousin would love a cool shot. However, it is at night and the car is black. There’s your challenge. You know you’ll need several flashes to pull off the trick and evenly light the car. However, you only have one. What can you do? Now make it happen!!
10. Just for the flare of it!
The sun has set, but you still want to capture flare. While you may not be able to create that beautiful natural light, you can get close using your Speedlight off-camera. What can you do to increase your chances of nailing the shot? Now make it happen!!!
ps- if any of these topics tickle your fancy (okay, i love that phrase), and you missed this class, please do not fret. there is another *free* class scheduled to appear feb 21 at 4pm at the the press coffee company in belmar, lakewood. we'll be talking about using gels on lights. get the gritty details here. RSVP on the comments section below. class size limited to 10. first come, first served :)
each photographer pulled from a hat a mini-assigment. while we didn't get to perform all of them, at least we got the creative brains thinking reading them out-loud. just case you were curious at what some of the assignments were, they are posted below. we each pulled assignments from a bag (think folded fortune-cookie paper). the next step was to prove our mettle (or at least try) and then get our learning on. here's a smattering of some of the 'coffee-shop class' assignments:
1. Self-portrait.
The scenario: It’s time to update your OSP profile photo (or match.com) and you have to get it done, like, now! Using your newly acquired skills, one off-camera flash, create a self-portrait with your camera destined to be different! You are welcome to use a lighting effect of your choosing! And don’t forget to set your timer!
2. Group self-portrait.
This assignment, should you choose to accept it, will be to produce a group photo for the class on the kern-photo blog using a lighting effect of your choosing. Make it fun. Keep it fresh. Have fun!
3. Rim light Special.
To add a little ‘pop’ and give your subject some depth, create a dynamic portrait featuring a subtle ‘rim light’ on your subject. Just remember, don’t blow it… ahem… your highlights, that is (pardon the cheese)!
4. Lighting someone with eye glasses.
You’ve been given two minutes to photograph a Nobel laureate who has just discovered the cure for cancer. You are in his office and have little natural light to work with. You want to show off the seriousness of his eyes, but do not want glare noticeable on his bifocals. What do you do? Now make it happen!!!
5. Stop action (jump).
“Aw, that’s cool,” is what you want to hear from your clients. You are on an engagement session, got some safe shots out of the way, but now it is time to use your lighting skills and take some chances. Using your uber cool camera skills, see if you can capture a couple jumping mid-air (without blurring) using your flash. He thinks he can jump. She thinks she can jump higher. See if your best shot can show the difference and reveal the winner! Brownie points given for fun expression, textured background, and wild hair.
6. How far can you go?
Nikon has tapped you on the shoulder to test the triggering capabilities of their wireless flash. This assignment is to see how far away you can trigger a light and have the light noticeable in your photograph. 50 feet? 100 feet? 150 feet?
7. Low-ceiling.
‘Bride-zilla’ is getting ready in small, dimly lit hotel room on a rainy day. She is totally bummed because this is HER day and she has always dreamed of a bright and airy feeling for her getting ready photos, but doesn’t want to look light a deer-in-the-headlights. What can you do to help? Now make it happen!!
8. Around a Corner.
Britney Spears just signed an endorsement with Starbucks (not really). People magazine wants YOUR photo for their cover. You’re on location and see her inside. You have a visual…. She is just about to walk out the door with her “2% Venti 2-pump chocolate mint de-caf Frappacino with sprinkles.” But wait, with all the paparazzi, there is no way you can get the line-o-site you need to fire your Speedlight. Your PocketWizards are at home. You have one assistant that can help. Now make it happen!!
9. Lightpaint a Car!
The batmobile just drove up and your little cousin would love a cool shot. However, it is at night and the car is black. There’s your challenge. You know you’ll need several flashes to pull off the trick and evenly light the car. However, you only have one. What can you do? Now make it happen!!
10. Just for the flare of it!
The sun has set, but you still want to capture flare. While you may not be able to create that beautiful natural light, you can get close using your Speedlight off-camera. What can you do to increase your chances of nailing the shot? Now make it happen!!!
ps- if any of these topics tickle your fancy (okay, i love that phrase), and you missed this class, please do not fret. there is another *free* class scheduled to appear feb 21 at 4pm at the the press coffee company in belmar, lakewood. we'll be talking about using gels on lights. get the gritty details here. RSVP on the comments section below. class size limited to 10. first come, first served :)
coffee-shop class #1: the nikon speedlight, demystified
01.16.08
this month's topic: the nikon speedlight, demystified. want to learn some tips and tricks to using nikon's speedlight system? spicing things up with simple lighting (think "the strobist") can sometimes make the difference between "blah" to "wow." this 'coffee-shop class' will focus on learning how to use your Nikon camera's built-in flash to trigger a speedlight.
who: "starving student" photographers (we are all students)
what: friendly-approach learning the technical basics in using nikon's wireless speedlights. we will focus quick and easy lighting techniques for portrait / wedding photographers.
when: thursday, January 24, 2008 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm (we'll do 30 minutes inside, 30 minutes outside)
where: higher grounds coffee, 803 14th st, golden, 80401 (near intersection of 14th St & washington ave). happy hour afterwards until 6pm next door at the table mountain inn, 1310 washington ave, golden.
cost: *free*
what to bring: warm clothes, a SB-600 or SB-800 Speedlight(s), and one of the following cameras: Nikon D-70(s), D-80, D-200, D-300, or D-3. canon shooters: come learn more about 'the dark side.'
RSVP below in the comments section of the blog.
your homework: peruse ken rockwell's how to use the new nikon strobes as wireless slaves. bring questions.
extra credit: if you don't know about flash flavor or the strobist, check 'em out! they are great sources of lighting information & inspiration.
can't make it? our next 'coffee-shop class' will be held on february 21 at 4:00 pm at the press coffee company in belmar. topic: creative lighting with gels
about the 'coffee-shop class'
01.16.08
we love to share what we've learned in
photography with other photographers. several
photographers have asked us to share a little
about how we do what we do. we do not pretend,
even for a minute, to have all the answers!.
however, we look at this as a wonderful
opportunity to learn & share with other
like-minded photographers. we wanted to create an
'in-person' forum to share lessons learned to
supplement the great wonderful resources on the
web. we feel nothing takes the place of getting
out of the house/studio to shoot & share with
others. in our mind, that is where it matters
most.
the 'coffee-shop class' is about real learning for real photographers in the real world. we will meet about for one hour every month or so in/around the denver metro area at a local coffee shop. the mini-classes will be an informal 30 minutes of coffee & theory followed by 30 minutes of practice. cost is free to attend. each class will focus on a new topic emphasizing "hands-on" learning and sharing "light-bulb" moments. we take a low-key approach to learning in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. mean people are NOT welcome :)
classes are geared towards osp-minded portrait / wedding photographers, but we welcome photographers of any kind. and here's the great part: there's no such thing as a stupid question in our 'coffee-shop class'! in addition, we also hope to have various guest photographer's present various topics near & dear.
announcements will be made on our blog and also under the 'coffee-shop class' category. bookmark us and check back for the latest announcements.
we hope to see you soon!
the 'coffee-shop class' is about real learning for real photographers in the real world. we will meet about for one hour every month or so in/around the denver metro area at a local coffee shop. the mini-classes will be an informal 30 minutes of coffee & theory followed by 30 minutes of practice. cost is free to attend. each class will focus on a new topic emphasizing "hands-on" learning and sharing "light-bulb" moments. we take a low-key approach to learning in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. mean people are NOT welcome :)
classes are geared towards osp-minded portrait / wedding photographers, but we welcome photographers of any kind. and here's the great part: there's no such thing as a stupid question in our 'coffee-shop class'! in addition, we also hope to have various guest photographer's present various topics near & dear.
announcements will be made on our blog and also under the 'coffee-shop class' category. bookmark us and check back for the latest announcements.
we hope to see you soon!