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I want to hear from you!  2012 is just around the corner and I want to make it a great year of photography tutorials.  What do you want?  What can't you get from other sources?  Do you like the current format of a Photography Quick Tip video on Tuesday and another tutorial on Thursday?  More Flash?  More Lightroom?  Mix in some Photoshop?  What else? 

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW! If we get over 100 comments this week I'll give away an 'i create photographs' tshirt to one of the commenters!

Note: Comments must be constructive and not just 'add me to the contest' kind of comment.  Those will be deleted.

After the break you will see all the discussions and requests from the Facebook Discussions page (which was removed by Facebook.com), thankfully a #Cazillion saved it for me!

 

Topic: Black and White

Melissa Wrzesniewsky
Greg... it would be great if you could do a video or two about shooting in black and white, versus color. I am taking a darkroom course, and am finding it so hard to see the world in black and white. Because I am a color photographer mainly, and use color in my work to lead the viewers eye through the image, it's hard to know what to look for to make a good b&w composition. Thanks!

 

Topic: Matting your photos for digital release?

Jay Stover
Was wondering what everyone else does out there. When a client buys a dvd of all the photos, do you take the time and place them on mats to prevent the client from cropping off parts of the photo while printing or do you just place the photos as shot on the disc and hope they know what they are doing?

Carsten Saager
How would you prevent that they crop away the mat?

Besides, either you don't give out high-quality files or you refrain from annoying your customers.

A friend received once the shoots in a PDF file, she cropped screenshots(!) to have images to email them to distant friends - of course they looked like crap. Good luck for the photographer that nobody inquired his name.

Topic: lightroom for beginners
Tony Al
I would love to see Lightroom videos, but maybe some for us lightroom beginners, this probably may sound dull to you.. but Im guessing there are plenty lightroom beginners out there too (I hope)

I hope i did right posting here.

Im glad Greg you decided this, thank you.

Trinka Hofmann Lumley
Yes I agree with Tony. I would like to see more Lightroom videos.

Richard Guadagno
Lightroom would be a great help.
Alex Boochun
I AGREE im new to this thanks alot and looking foward

Erin Ryan
I'd love to see alot of this sort of stuff!! I do find LR a little confusing sometimes. I've learned some good tips from you already Greg, but i'd love MORE!!!

Curtis Scott
LR is good would like to see how the file management should work as I do not think I have got that operating the best way possible.

Gary Thursby
I would love to see some lightroom video's ass well! Hey I have an idea Greg! We could all try and learn Gimp together! Its a photography editing program that is free much like mozillo firefox! Then no one would have to worry about purchasing expensive software and put that money toward better glass! It would be an adventure and challenge. I perfectly understand that everyone has to pay the bills Greg so let me know how to contribute and I will big G!

Patricia Griffin Thursby
Dad had his own dark room and did the slides many years ago. You could do it I am sure.

Gary Thursby
Yeah I know he did but not sure how to use chemicals to devlop slides or negatives. That's why I always farmed that part out to the lab in LA.

Gary Thursby
Yes I agree Aaron. It would be very helpful to know how to control contrast and tone and how to saturate just one color like what Greg did with the sky only. Its almost like painting except electronically! Really really cool. I am a total newb to any editing software so these video are great for me too.

Stephen Rooke
checkout slr lounge on YouTube, they've got a brilliant series on lr

Gary Thursby
Thanks Stephen!

 


Topic: traveling with a tripod

Ari Strauss
I am going to be in Aspen, CO for a work conference and would like to get up early one morning to photograph a sunrise. Has anyone flown with their tripod? Is it relatively safe to throw it down below with checked baggage or should I try to carry it on board with me? Alternatively, does anyone know of a camera equipment rental shop in Aspen where I could just rent a tripod?

 


Topic: Nikon SB-700 tutorial !

Roni Rk
Nikon SB-700 tutorial,

love ya !

Russell Durrant
Yes I was looking forward to the SB-700 video you were going to do in your flash series on Jared's site.

Stephen Kane
Me to sb 700 vid soon plz


Topic: Flash used outside
Houston Pittman
Can you show a video on using flash to remove shadows from faces on outdoor portraits shots? If not done correct I find the flash can be very harsh to the portraits. If using the 70-200mm what would be a good set up for the flash unit?


Topic: Video Idea: Camera Metering

Cody Williams
Hi Greg, Could you please do an in-depth video on camera metering, how to use i, what modes are useful for what and that kind of thing please.
Cody

John M. Duffy
I would enjoy this as well. I am confused about metering on my D90.

1. How do I lock in metering on an area (especially when the area I want to meter is not my focus point)? Is there a way to lock metering before I recompose?

2. Also what are some examples of when I would use Spot vs. Matrix vs. Average Metering?

Ljubisa Nikolic
second that!

Gary Thursby
Third!

Chris Richard
i'm having trouble with this too. i've tried spot and matrix metering in different situations where i adjusted the shutter speed until it indicated a correct exposure in the viewfinder, and still ended up with super underexposed images. so, fourthed:)

Gary Thursby
I watched big G's video on histograms. What I am going to do is shoot manually and try to achieve a histogram like how he showed. If the meter tells me I have a correct exposure in manual but the histogram is not to the right (like how Big G explained) then I will open up a stop or take away a stop depending on if the image is under or over exposed. By the way does anyone use the sunny f16 rule anymore?

Chris Richard
his video was informative, and i understand pushing the histogram to the right by adjusting the exposure, but you don't always get a chance to take a second shot:)

David Winder
I would like something that explains how to 'expose for the highlights' or 'expose for the shadows'. Or is that too basic ? :)


Topic: Advanced Focusing....

Chogyal Judah Dhandup
I think if u cud do a video about focusing auto or manual of a moving,still,night or wateva focusing is there,i wanted to know how to get a crisp sharp focus like a pro...Any veiws on this??
 
David Winder
Yeah I would like that too.

 


Topic: First Wedding

Luis Serrano
My cousin asked to shoot her wedding....I am new to photography....I own a Nikon D3100....am renting a Nikon 70-200 f2.8....any advise on the setting I should be using....
about 4 months ago · Report

Highlander Torres
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikondigitallearningcenter/discuss/72157625791683555/
about 4 months ago · Report


Topic: user settings D7000

Harold Demaine
Hi Greg,

Would you have any advices with regards to the user menus? what would be the best setting?
Thx

 


Topic: histogram

Ayyom Khalid
please teach us how to use histogram..

Cazillo
Histogram video is live! Photography Histograms

Mike Quest
I would like more info on the Histogram. What is the camera doing? All the details.

Post deleted
about 5 months ago

Johannes Winger-Lang
I agree! Would be cool to finally see that video.

David Pedersen
I agree! More histogram!

Mun How Yan
Histrogram for beginners. (:
Julian Markwort
+1

Luka Jerebic
+1

Paul Sesink Clee
+1

Carsten Saager
Explain UniWB, "normal" histograms can be misleading

Rem Sorillo
yeahh,, the technicality of it

Daniel Droll
i agree

Roma Amor Agtarap
+1

Cazillo
Histogram video is live! http://ow.ly/4Yjt1


Topic: Outdoor portraits using natural light, no flash

Eugene Abromowitz
Natural light portraits using no flash. A lot of people don't have SB-900 or studio equipment so it would be great if you could teach us how to best utilize natural light.

Topic: AF microadjustment

Kenton Chow'nard
How about showing how to probably micro-adjust your lenses. Most of the new bodies are able to do this now, so you can do it at home, instead of sending them in to Canon or Nikon, but there isn't a whole lot of info out there, how to probably do this.


Topic: Through the ViewFinder

Harun Talas
Hi Greg and his readers.
I would love to see some videos of you how you take your photos but through the ViewFinder. You could show us how you focus at the eye and still have the right composition you wanted. I have a Canon T1i and it has a 9 points AF system. I cant get the focus at the eyes without changing my composing which i wanted at first.

 


Topic: Studio Photography,lighting techniques and lighting setups,

Stefan Jönsson
i would love to see some studio tutorials, with different lighting techniques, lighting setups.

Dave Kramer
And use of triggers - managing multiple flashes and power levels of the lights.

Harun Talas
yeah me too. techniques like cross lighting for example and how/when to use a grid or gel


Topic: ISO on different camera's

Warren Ackary
Hi Greg.. can you do something explaining the ISO ratings on say smaller end beginner camera's to semi pro and why the difference is so great please?
To be honest I thought with the new beginner cameras out now new, the companies would have more than say for example 3200-H1, H2 etc

 

Topic: Stock Photography Basics - Lighting Help!

Matthew Rowe McIvor
Hi Greg! (were with ya to the end)

I'm trying to get into stock photography as a hobby/side source of income but I cant seem to get a good enough handful of images to get approved because I'm a crap photographer lol

I have more than enough gear to get the job done, just not enough skill yet to do it.
Main question at the moment: using a little light box, how can i photograph a small object and have the background absolutely white?

Russell Durrant
To shoot against a white background you need 1-2 stops more light on the white background then on your subject to get the background to be white, otherwisse it can be a dirty white or even grey. If your product is sitting on the white paper then this is difficault. You can do it in photoshop though. In Photoshop duplicate you image and with the top layer selected bring up curves (ctrl + M). Using the white point eye dropper (the eye dropper to the far right) click on the background of your image. This will turn the background white but it will also more then likely make the product too bright. Using the magic Wond tool click on the background of your image to select the background. Go to the Select Menu and click on Inverse to invert the serlection. Now with the alt key held down click on the Layer Mask icon to make a layer mask, This will mask out the Curves adjustment on the product. If there are any highlights on your product that are blown out from the curves adjustment you can paint them out with the paint brush using black, make sure the layer mask is selected. If your prduct is too bright after the Curves adjustment but not too much so you can sometimes get away with adding some black via a Levels adjustment. Hope this helps.

Matthew Rowe McIvor
Thanks! ill definitely give that a try...



Topic: Composition & Assignments.

Russell Durrant
Hi Greg,

I would like to see some video's dealing with composition, why this is good composition and this is bad etc. Also I think it would be good if you gave us some assignments to do, like you were probably given at photography school.

Cheers Greg and good luck with the new venture.



Topic: Landscape photography

Khalifah Alfadhli
Hi Greg

I just bought a super wide angle to use it in my summer trip overseas, and I noticed it handles differently (harder to frame). I never did landscape before.
Any tips?

Gary Thursby
Get very close to foreground interest because the wide angle lens pushes the background way back in the frame.

Khalifah Alfadhli
Thanks Gary



Topic: Weekly Home Work

Steve Brown
How about a weekly or monthly home work project for beginners to learn some of the basic techniques of shooting

Mike Quest
Sounds like a good idea.

 


Topic: Upgrade?

James Thomson
Hi,

I currently have the D3100 with the kit lens. I'm pretty sure I am going to get the 35mm f1.8 at some point this year.

I was wondering if I would gain anything from swapping the kit lens for either the Nikon 18-70 or the 18-105?

At the moment I don't really have a certain style as I have only had the camera for a month.

Thanks

James


Sergej Radovic
The D3100 comes with a 18-55 lens right? If that is the case you will not gain a lot from swapping it with these other lenses since they are in the same category. 18-70 and 18-105 are kit lenses just like the 18-55, but are usually sold with other cameras like the D70, D90, D7000, D60... The quality of the image is pretty much the same. The only difference is that lenses with the range like those two are quite useful since they will cover almost all the lens needs of amateur and semi - professional photographers. The biggest backside to these kit lenses is that they are not very light absorbent (aperture wise) and the have a lot of fringing, but note that this applies to almost all kit lenses and low quality lenses.

Concerning the 35mm f1.8, you should consider if that is a lens you actually need. This lens is still within the category of cheap low quality DX format lenses and although it has a nice aperture range it will most likely produce similar quality images to your kit lens. The only difference would be that the kit lens has a range of magnification levels which are, as I said, useful for people starting out with D-SLR photography. Maybe it would be wiser to save up money for a more serious wide lens which will ensure sharp and frindge-less photographs!
Hope this helps! :)


James Thomson
Yes that helps a lot. Thank you.

What sort of lens should I save up to buy?

Sergej Radovic
For example this ( http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/1998/AF-Zoom-NIKKOR-18-35mm-f%252F3.5-4.5D-IF-ED.html ) 18-35 mm f/3.5 is a great lens with the downside being its cost. It is a good quality Nikkor FX format lens. This means that it can be used on full sensor cameras also. While on a DX sensor it will perform marvelously since only the middle part, which is the best quality part of the projection, will be caught by the sensor. If you plan to do photography seriously later on than this is the right purchase.

If you are not ready to spend that much money on a zoom lens then you can also consider a fixed size lens like this one ( http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/1902/AF-NIKKOR-50mm-f%252F1.4D.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.TechSpecs ). This lens is also a FX format lens and it is also a good quality one. The major difference or, perhaps, disadvantage to the zoom lens is that it is not versatile and can sometimes leave you wanting for a bit more magnification which the zoom could provide. Nevertheless, it is a great lens for street photographs, portraits, landscape and pretty much any other kind of photography which is shot in existing light.

The best thing about these lenses is that after buy one of them, chances are, that you will never need a new one (quality wise) even if you buy a new and better camera!

Cheers!


James Thomson
Thank you once again. I am going to America next month so I will wait till I get there before I buy any lenses as they are much cheaper. I think its definitely right to but something decent now; buy one, buy right, is what I always say.

 



Topic: What file types to use

Calvin Chung
I think a good topic would be to discuss what file format to use and when.

Example: jpeg, gif, tiff etc.

From what i know jpeg is best for pics posted online but hear its not the best format when you want to print something out. Id like to hear more about this if you have the time.

Thanks so much!

Team Cazillo

P.S. I think you should come out with some apparel soon so I can show my support =)

Anders Rønning Petersen
Never use gif. (only 256 colours)
Low-compression jpg for most uses
TIFF (lossless) for print (as long as your printing guy knows how to use it, and you have your ICC colour profiles checked)

Also: google.
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/graphicformats/f/summary.htm

Calvin Chung
Thank you very much Anders. That was very helpful =)

Gary Thursby
I agree with this as well. My d300s shoots tiff files but no one ever talks about them! Why in the heck are they so freakin large! 22mb for one shot?

Anders Rønning Petersen
22mb is perfectly normal for an uncompressed format...

Gary Thursby
Dang!

Sergej Radovic
Formats like TIFF, NEF, RAW and etc take up lots of space because they have little compression or no compression at all. Formats like JPG, JPEG and other are full color formats ICC and RGB color profiles which are compressed in order to take up less space. The best thing to do is to shoot using these uncompressed formats and later if it is more convenient you can change them into lower quality formats. When printing it is advisable to keep the files in TIFF formats, but this is only if you are doing professional work. If you just need good quality prints for your personal use, saving your file in the Photoshop format (PSD) will be just fine. This is also quite handy if you are doing work with multiple layers and wish to keep them for further editing. JPG files do not have the option for saving layers after editing (they just merge them). In the end it all depends on the quality of the images that you need.
Hope this helps :)

Calvin Chung
Thanks for taking the time to explain that out; it was very helpful. Also, nice profile pic!

Sergej Radovic
No problem. I'm glad you like it!

Gary Thursby
Yes thank you very much Sergej!


Topic: Lenses

Warren Ackary
Greg do you think you can do a basic tutorial suggesting about whay lenses you would reccommend for people to use in various situations, both low & high budget.


Topic: Shooting into the sun to get sun flare

Alexi Nastase
What is the best method of acheiving sun flare such as shooting through tree branches etc.

Alexandar Milovanovic
That would be nice to see how to do it, it can really change an image look, especially a portrait

Sergej Radovic
The easiest way to achieve this is to shoot using a high magnification tele or zoom lens. You need to make sure that you take off the lens shade since this is used to prevent lens flare. ( this is a lens shade http://tinyurl.com/5suz894 ) Usually the bigger the magnification of the lens, the bigger amount of lens flare you will get and that is the reason why big lenses have bigger shades. When it comes to shooting the image with flare, you need to have the sun at a certain angle to your lens. This angle depends on many things, like the size of the lens, the type, the time of day and etc. Although making lens flare with smaller lenses is harder, it is not impossible! You just need to try out different angles to the sun until you find the one that makes that flare you are looking for. Another thing you can do is use a tool within photoshop to create artificial lens flare : filter>render>lens flare. This is quite useful when you are unable to achieve this effect naturally, but you should be careful since sometimes it can look very fake and artificial! I hope this helps! :)

Alexandar Milovanovic
Thanks, very useful. Welcome to the forum. :)


Topic: More BTS-videos

Andreas Måneskiöld
Behind the Scenes of actual On Location and Studio-shoots of people.


Topic: Sun

Pujit Shingala
how to get clear sun in the pic!! I have done it with under exposed images but not very helpful as it will affect sky and landscapes. I would like to see whole video tutorial on shooting/editing pictures of sun/sunlight from the morning, afternoon and evening. It sounds crazy but i need to learn it.

Marco Bellocchio
I agree.....you cannot imagine how difficult this could be,when light blasting everywhere and all the images are overexposed and washout.
this could be a great theme for a video tutorial


Topic: Cleaning lenses, filters, camera body

Shah Ra
Hey Greg,

How would you clean your lenses? (Both sides, as in, the side with the filters end and the other side that goes into the camera, does that make sense?)

And same thing with the filters, do i need to bother with any special lense cleaning solutions or can I simply use some good quality H2O?

As for the camera body, how would you go around cleaning that, for instance especially after you've been to the beach with sand occasionally blowing towards your camera?

Topic: Outdoor Portraits, Setups / Poses / Lighting


Jay Stover
Outdoor Portraits, Setups / Poses / Lighting

Donovan Marceau Photography
I agree. Posing , and outdoor lighting is certainly something I'd like to see discussed!

Chris Malmstrom
Agreed

Chris Young
and me to ...

Chris Young
and me to

Totie Villanueva
me three...

Thomas Haneborg
me 4!

Pujit Shingala
four + one!!

Mike Ramsay
4+2 :)

 

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Comments  

 
+5 # Victor 2011-12-19 13:22
Off camera flash.....STEP BY STEP....setting s in real life situations. How to make it happen, not just the theory....thank s!
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0 # Jean-Francois 2011-12-19 19:52
Quoting Victor:
Off camera flash.....STEP BY STEP....settings in real life situations. How to make it happen, not just the theory....thanks!


I was thinking the same thing!!!
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+3 # Jeff 2011-12-19 13:22
Tips on shooting "heavyset" women, proms/weddings/ engagements...
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+1 # Michael Lamberty 2011-12-19 13:39
Off camera flash using is a good idea. Show us how to you use softboxes or umbrellas.
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0 # David Strågefors 2011-12-19 14:01
I definitely want to see more discussion between you and other photographers .. In the same style as the one you did with Dom Bower.
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0 # Dino Pawlak 2011-12-19 14:26
Off camera flash!!!! And more interviews together with Dom Bower!! Mister Cazillo you will do it right.
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+2 # Joris Louwes 2011-12-19 14:41
Light, Light, Light. Flash and or natural light.
Isn't that the most important thing in photography?
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0 # Joris Louwes 2011-12-19 14:46
and how to get someone to pose for you without looking like a pervert
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+2 # Mike S 2011-12-19 15:13
I too want to see tutorials on flash. But I want to see it from the beginning. On camera pop-up flash, on camera speedlights, manual flash exposure, off camera 1 light, off camera multiple lights.
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+2 # MWM 2011-12-19 15:38
Hey Greg

Thanks for all the time you put into this!

Ideas:
-How to take portraits of people at the wrong time of day (say noon) or how to overcome any other bad lighting situations.

-a couple good lighting setups with 1 off camera flash and no modifiers.

-a couple good examples of when to turn the Contrast slider DOWN. haha
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0 # Dan Kozlowski 2011-12-19 16:39
Flash seems to be the most challenging and complex part of photography for many of us out here. So I would like more tutorials about on and off camera flash, specifically:wh at camera setting to start with? how to use 1 light on and off camera effectively.TTL vs manual.etc.
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0 # Oliver Higgins 2011-12-19 17:13
Removal of "red" blotches in LR. I know how to do this in PS but yet to find an effective way in LR.
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0 # chad 2011-12-19 17:21
what precautions to take when taking winter landscapes

what to do while going out (extra batteries and such)

what to do while outside (snow collecting on camera batteries getting cold etc)
what to do when coming back inside ( condensation)

that kind of thing
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+2 # Olaf Kleemeyer 2011-12-19 17:27
- What to keep in mind for a good composition?
- How to handle ambient light?
- How to treat the model while shooting portrait?

These things would interest me a lot.
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0 # Fady shaaban 2011-12-19 17:34
Hi mr
any help in black and white photography
How I can use my camera to get the perfect shot
I know that if I have Avery good black
And white picture that mean I had perfect picture
When I convet it into colure one
Thanks
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+3 # Carsten Saager 2011-12-19 17:40
Flash, flash, flash. I like your input on how to use the various flash modes of the Nikon flashes - TTL-BL is still a mystery to me.

While you are at it: Same advice on using slow sync with rear and first curtain, from the technical and artistic side would be welcome.

Cheers
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0 # Scott Henderson 2011-12-19 17:43
I would like to see a tutorial on paper profiles and printer calibration.
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0 # Todd 2011-12-19 17:48
gear reviews, flash tutorials, speedlights etc., on site photo shoot videos going thru settings, lighting etc..........al l good!
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+1 # Oscariño 2011-12-19 18:28
How to market your business. How to sale more sessions
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+3 # Wes 2011-12-19 19:56
FLASH. One, two, and three flash set-ups. In studio and outdoors. Also, how to take awesome studio portraits in general.
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+1 # Jorge Sáenz 2011-12-19 22:18
I am a beginner in photograpy, though some beginners course and tutorias that I have seen here and there I have been able to take some pretty decent pics but my main problem is low ligth shoots I would like to see more tutorials on that, with and without flash. also how to decide how and when to use umbrelas and all that kind of gear.
I appreciate very much your help
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+3 # Blaine Dolan 2011-12-19 22:26
Hey Greg, Since I'm in the process of learning outdoor flash photography. I really wish you would do more videos on that and how to achieve that perfect outdoor portrait, but not just of one person... Family's, Kids, etc.... Thanks!
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0 # Michael 2011-12-19 23:26
A video on high speed sync for flash would be awesome.
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+3 # Robert Vince 2011-12-20 02:05
Night photography, particularly at events and doing portrait work at night.
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+1 # Ralf 2011-12-20 06:03
Lightroom, Lightroom, Lightroom :-)
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0 # chris 2011-12-20 09:10
back-button auto focus. do you use it? why or why not?
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0 # Sven 2011-12-20 11:30
Hi Greg,

Many good ideas here.
I would love to see composition and lighing tips tips on interior/archit ecture shooting. Maybe some pointers, what to look out for, or to avoid.
Thanks!
And happy holidays!
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+2 # Kathy Detweiler 2011-12-20 11:33
I'm such an amateur but one thing I'd love to learn is taking moon shots. Or any night photography. Thanks!
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+1 # David Stubbs 2011-12-20 11:35
Hi Greg,

I know this is the most difficult to do, and you will possibly incur additional costs as you will need someone to help you, but nothing teaches us better than videos of you actually doing paid work. For example: portraits, weddings, corporate, product, etc etc. Either talking us through during the shoot, or commentating afterwards (obviously your paying clients come first)

I know you want your site to be for every one from beginner up, but I want to speak up for those who are past the beginner stage.

Thanks Greg

David Stubbs

www.davidstubbsphotography.com
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0 # Mark 2011-12-20 11:38
Greg, recent videos have been great. Nothing wrong with the quick tips but I enjoy the more detailed tutorials best. Lightroom instruction is good as I am sure I am merely scratching the surface. I am having trouble with flash settings. Very hard to get those just right in camera. I always have to make significant adjustments to my flash photos in Lightroom. I also am concerned with sharpness and how to improve it. Some of my images are very sharp and others not as much. Have you considered sponsoring a face to face workshop? Not sure how many would sign up, but that would be a great benefit as well. Thanks.
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0 # Gregory Cazillo 2011-12-20 11:47
I have done some and would enjoy doing more...all depends on how many people sign up if the classes will be held.
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+1 # Mike Swazey 2011-12-20 11:45
Well it looks like you got your Answer ! So when are we going to see more videos on Flash with setting and setup ! Love all the stuff you do Greg .
(Cazillion). Mike Swazey
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+2 # Stephan Hoek 2011-12-20 11:52
I like the photography quick tips, but would like to see some example shots and how you have made the shots. I also like to learn more about flash photography.
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+2 # Bruce_DSPcat 2011-12-20 11:55
Greg,

Definitely would like to see more on flash now that Winter time is here and most folks will be shooting inside more. Are there any 3rd party flashes that work with the Nikon CLS? Also, I plan to shoot waterfalls in the spring so your comments on filters would be helpful. Right now I only have a polarizer. What about graduated ND's? Thanks
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0 # Stephan Hoek 2011-12-21 04:51
Quoting Bruce_DSPcat:
Greg,

Definitely would like to see more on flash now that Winter time is here and most folks will be shooting inside more. Are there any 3rd party flashes that work with the Nikon CLS? Also, I plan to shoot waterfalls in the spring so your comments on filters would be helpful. Right now I only have a polarizer. What about graduated ND's? Thanks


Take a look at the Youngnuo YN565EX. They also have a version for the nikon now. I'm using the flash for the canon for a while now and it is a great flash for a great price.
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0 # John Dodd 2011-12-20 12:07
Greg,
I think it would be great to do a series of tutorials covering each of the tools in Photoshop and a demonstration on using them!!!
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0 # Aaron Berls 2011-12-20 12:11
Topic: Website creation geared toward photographers looking to start a business on the internet.

From domain registration, web hosting companies that are free to reasonable, pitfalls related to web hosting companies, recommended web design programs, to eCommerce, marketing photos on line, etc with the beginner in mind.

Love the website.
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+1 # Steve Brown 2011-12-20 12:19
Thanks for all your help Greg, I would like to see more on using flash lighting, some of the creative uses of flash and umbrellas.
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+2 # Jorge Alcocer 2011-12-20 14:11
Hi Greg,some things I would like to see:
- The quick tips are great, short and to the point, but I would like them to be a bit more demostrative, not just talked, that would help even more.
- Like to see tips about long exposures in different situations and tips about filters to help out during times when one need long exposure but can't do it without them.
- Tips about what focal lenght of lens is better to use depending on the situation, if it is a portrait what focal lengths can achieve the best results, what apertures, etc, taking into account also aps-c sensors.
- More recomendations about lenses, either zooms and primes, what would be decent enough and not only focusing on the expensive ones, there are a lot a good third party lenses that get really nice results either for canon, nikon, etc.
- tips about flash photography, product photography, portraits, one light portraits, also for those who only have manual flashes, like me. :)
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+3 # Thibault 2011-12-20 14:12
I'd like to see more off-camera flash videos.
I would also like to see how you go about on a normal days work. let us follow you through a complete fotoshoot with a video and explain some things you're doing or thinking of at the moment and let the video do the rest of the talking :).
lightroom videos are also apreciated. there are millions of photoshop videos and tutorials out there so that won't be as nescessary.
or some business-startu p tips and tricks are always welcome.
wow, that's a lot of stuff you've got to do, lol!
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+5 # Gregory Cazillo 2011-12-20 14:18
Hmm, not sure, does everyone want to see more flash videos? ;)
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+3 # angelina forlano 2011-12-20 14:24
Quoting Mike S:
I too want to see tutorials on flash. But I want to see it from the beginning. On camera pop-up flash, on camera speedlights, manual flash exposure, off camera 1 light, off camera multiple lights.

yes.. I like this comment!!!!!
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0 # Kevin Collins 2011-12-20 14:41
YES!
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+1 # angelina forlano 2011-12-20 14:26
Quoting Jorge Sáenz:
I am a beginner in photograpy, though some beginners course and tutorias that I have seen here and there I have been able to take some pretty decent pics but my main problem is low ligth shoots I would like to see more tutorials on that, with and without flash. also how to decide how and when to use umbrelas and all that kind of gear.
I appreciate very much your help

I agree...please take this in consideration.
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+1 # Jason 2011-12-20 14:31
Would like to see:
a) off camera flash (as a lot of people have already mentioned)
b) use of filters ND's etc
c) step by step to setting up a photography website to display and sell (hopefully) prints
product reviews (a lot do them but hearing someone you trust views helps)
d) photo shoots, be it portraits, events, wildlife etc - the what and to to do it type
e) discussions with other photographers about photography, how they started, their best pictures and worst

Whatever you do keep it focused. No need for gimmicks as they get tiring after a while.
Thanks and love your site.
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0 # Mane 2011-12-20 15:56
Hi Greg! Really love your videos. The things that i would like to see in the videos to come are something that most photographers are not talking about at all. The pure theory of visual arts(space, form, texture...). When you learn everything there is to learn about techniques of different types of photography and lightning, you are only halfway there to become complete photographer. The other half is theory of art, that is applicable on any kind of art, including photography.
Cheers, Mane :)
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0 # Gregory Cazillo 2011-12-20 15:59
Agreed. Only problem is that its tough for me to teach the art even know it comes to me easily. I'll see what I can do.
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+1 # Priit Kallaste 2011-12-20 16:39
I'm thinkin of buying a flash for my D90, but I don't have any money for 2 or more flashes. Could you please show us how to get great photos with only on flash with/without a softbox or an umbrella?
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0 # Christian 2011-12-20 18:32
Hi Greg,

I like your unagitated style very much!

I haven't that much technical questions but maybe you might share some of your experiences on the job(s) (for examle: nervous persons and how to calm down them, things that "allways" happens, etc...)?

Greetings from Germany and a "Merry Christmas!",

c.
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0 # Sabe Majeen 2011-12-20 18:34
I am a very big fan of your videos and they have been very informative. I used to subscribe to the other guy when you were with him and I found you more informative than opinionated which has been very helpful. I am a canon shooter with lightroom and PSE 9 and shoot raw so to date anything in that area is very informative. Parrticularly the work flow in LR has been interesting.

Your level of photography does not seem to need as much pp as mine so I am striving to use and shoot in better light, so anything in that area would be helpful. I live in a very rainy area (Oregon) and strong sunlight's not common this time of year and gray is the norm. I hope to see more of your videos, thanks
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+1 # Christina 2011-12-20 21:08
Hi Greg,

I enjoy most all your video's! So keep up the good work you put in.
I'd like to see more outdoor flash video's. I'd also like to see more video's of you doing actual photoshoots. I'm sure that isn't always the easiest considering your client or clients have to be willing to let you video and air them.

Have a Merry Christmas!
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0 # keenan 2011-12-20 21:27
Simple one for you,a lot of people and i mean a LOT really need to know what all the buttons on their cameras do as they DONT read the instructions a simple explanation of say what the MAIN buttons iso wb P M A S do and show in which situation you would use each
See as i said simple eh :)
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0 # Christopher 2011-12-20 22:41
Hey Greg,

I'd like to learn more about the advantages/disa dvantages of a light box vs. umbrella vs a bounce and is one tool better than the others?

I'm also curious about the many different lens filters. The use of some, like the sunburst, are more obvious than others (ND, polarizer, etc). Again, what are the advantages/bene fits to each?

I enjoy your teaching style. It is very relaxed and you engage with the audience very well.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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0 # Ibrahim Alghamdi 2011-12-21 00:30
I would like to see tutorials on how to start your photography business. I can't find enough explanations on this particular topic.
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0 # Adam 2011-12-21 00:30
Hi Greg, I think it would be great to see some videos on ways of using off camera flash. Pocket Wizards, Radio Poppers, built in IR. That sort of thing.

Keep up the great work and thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas~
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0 # jairo 2011-12-21 03:28
HI, Greg, I really appreciated your work and I learn a lot from you. I want to hear from you more about flash as you just explain the basic as you said so. Especially how do we take exposure when we use flash. I want to know more on manual mode too not that kind on ttl,ettl what ever.... once again thank you
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0 # Mike S 2011-12-21 09:46
As other posters have said I would love to see more photo shoots. But I would like more detailed walkthrougs. i.e. As you set up what are you looking at to evaluate the light, talk through your reasoning for choosing your initial settings, what you are thinking while composing, after reviewing initial shots what settings and why are you altering to get better results, what effects are you going for... etc..
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0 # Oli 2011-12-21 09:55
product photography - espacially chrome and brass things. Its not easy to get a brass chandelier or wall-lamp get alive. Will say: You need to place white planes in the right places in order to get nice reflections on polished metal, that represent the shape and form of the subject in studio environment.
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0 # Gregory Cazillo 2011-12-21 09:59
Is this a request?
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0 # Oli 2011-12-21 10:10
sure, sure this was supposed to be a request :) tough one?
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0 # Eric Rossi 2011-12-21 10:01
Hey Greg, in regards to requests. I know you do a lot of the flash and off unit flash vids, but maybe break it down on what and why to use certain settings.
Like what f/stop why, or why use a certain shutter. etc.. thanks
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0 # robert canning 2011-12-21 10:08
hi greg would like to know what settings to set the studio lighting at and why p.s. keep up the good work learned loads from you well appreciated :lol: :lol:
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0 # Gerry 2011-12-21 10:11
-Flash and studio setups.
-More technical theory. (really helpful)
-How your using your ipad in photography.
-classic old lenses
Keep up the great work!
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0 # Keith 2011-12-21 10:11
Here's one for you.

How does one start out that as a D700 and all the glass to go with it start a business when one moves to a new country?
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0 # oscar chamor 2011-12-21 10:11
how bout some photo critiques, some lighting techniques, and how to further yourself in photography.
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0 # Dan Holahan 2011-12-21 10:48
How about portrait composition. How do I determine which side of the face is best?
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0 # Phil Beavis 2011-12-21 11:00
Hi Greg,
It would be great to see more videos where we are effectively going out on a shoot with you. You can then talk us through the whole process of what you are trying to capture, the settings used and why, plus a review of the results at the end of the exercise. These type of videos are really helpful and if done correctly should answer lots of different questions for all sorts of viewers.
Anyway, this is just my 2 cents. Keep up the great work !
Cheers
Phil
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0 # Maj 2011-12-21 13:15
Off camera flash.....STEP BY STEP....setting s in real life situations. How to make it happen, not just the theory....
different sinarios and scenes
thanks
regards Cubes
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0 # maurice 2011-12-21 15:54
Thanks for the great site,
I love 1 hour podcasts to listen to.
And I also would like to learn more about off camera flash (not only the nikon system) but also cheap solutions. And see softboxes, reflectors and other speedlight stuff. LR and PS tutorials are always helpfull. (Greg''s top 25 shortcuts list) And the portrait sessions are also helpfull, it would be nice to see you working with your speedlights during a portrait.
And like to see or hear interviews with other Photographers (TWIP-like), very helpfull.
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0 # Todd Thompson 2011-12-21 16:05
As a sports photographer, my lenses take a beating with the elements. I'd love to learn more about lens care and cleaning.
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0 # Dima 2011-12-21 16:12
Greg, could you please do more tutorials on flash usage and metering. My standard approach is trial and error (guess settings-take photo-look at it & histogram - adjust), but I'm thinking there should be a smarter way to do this, or at least to "guess" the settings for an initial shot to be not too far off. Thank you!
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0 # Erik F 2011-12-21 16:24
How about a video on long exposure photography at night?
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0 # Hoan Trinh 2011-12-21 16:57
I would appreciate tutorials in off camera flash work, preferably with a model.
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0 # Lauren 2011-12-21 17:03
Camera and equipment maintenance :)
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0 # Russ 2011-12-21 17:21
Hey Greg, I would like to see videos on the different lighting techniques dependant on if you are doing portraits of men, women or babies / children, I would assume you would use different lighting for each of these. Also I would assume the post would be different for each of these too. For example I have read that you should do more subtle sharpening on portraits of women then with portraits of men.

Cheers.
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0 # QJones 2011-12-21 20:37
Hey Greg
I'd find most useful, videos on using off camera flash outdoors. And maybe some on using histograms in camera but also for editing photos through them.
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0 # Curtis Scott 2011-12-21 22:39
Love your videos keep em coming! How about a contest for the your neighbors to the north (canada)???
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0 # Terho 2011-12-22 02:20
Good tip for everyone who has ever used a camera. Lots of people don't understand that the automatic-mode with wrong metering makes your fancy dslr-camera redundant. Make the best of your device and listen to Greg! I use spot-metering almost all the time with manual mode. It's more like a guide for me anyways, but still the best metering mode is in your head. Take a picture and if like the result, then the metering is spot-on!
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0 # Bob Iles 2011-12-22 06:02
Im a beginner, well I'm even before that as no camera at the moment. I have lots of lenses which I've picked up since watching you tutorials. I am wondering which to get between the D3100 and the. D7000 I don't want to purchase the D3100 only to find in a month or two I should have got the better D7000 or willl the D3100 be ok. I'm not sure about the guide program as I want to start on manual and not use the other program's the auto will be ok for the mrs as she only wants to point and shoot where as I want to learn from the beginning.
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0 # Gregory Cazillo 2011-12-22 08:47
You should try out both at the store then choose. Have you had a DSLR before? If so go with the D7000.
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0 # Bob Iles 2011-12-27 19:35
I did have a one of the first canon dslr's some years ago. So have looked in my local shops and found the D3100 very good and it comes with a bit of a guide, but for me I think the D7000 has a bit more scope for what I want so purchased the D7000 for my Christmas present. Thanks for your help.
Bob Iles
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0 # Daniel Noss 2011-12-22 11:34
Hi Greg,
I have the basics fo LR and photgraphy/came ra stuff down ok. The rest Ill have to learn by experience. Id like to see more PS tutorials. For eg I have just started using sharpening on my images so I tend to over do it a bit sometimes. It looks great on smaller print but terrible on large one's. Some pre print/web do's and dont's tips would be sweet.
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0 # David 2011-12-22 12:48
I would like to see some more long-form photo shoots using off-camera flash. As well, I would like to see a video comparing reflectors.
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+1 # Ash 2011-12-22 17:11
Can never get enough of LR tips/tricks.

Along with others, would really like to see more on flash photography. On camera, off camera, soft box, using shadows creatively, etc.
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0 # Brendan SB 2011-12-22 17:22
How about another super book on flash/reading the LIGHT. I need something to throw in my bag on the way to CREATE PHOTOGRAPHS. This would contain bullet points.???????? ???????????
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0 # Stephen 2011-12-22 17:26
I'd like to see some lowlilght landscape shoots and maybe some nighttime portraits using one or more off camera speed lights.
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0 # Danette 2011-12-22 18:00
Some really good tips on wedding photography would be appreciated! Flash vs. high ISO, posing, family portraits in a church where the light is crappy, etc. etc....
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0 # Reuben Yau 2011-12-22 18:06
Ok, so there will be a bunch of people receiving new cameras for Christmas. How about a tutorial on changing some of the default settings. Things like AE lock, AF illumination lamp, AF beep, histo highlight, 3rd rule guides in viewfinder, image preview, etc... And perhaps a glimpse as to how you have your camera set for some of these.

Thanks
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0 # Ajay 2011-12-22 20:16
Off Camera Lighting tutorial on the Nikon Flash System.... thanks!
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0 # Yannick 2011-12-23 04:39
Hey, I would love to see some more Photoshop stuff and probably some flash photography would be pretty awesome! But I think you are doing an amazing job already with those high quality information videos you uploaded! :)

Keep it up! :)
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0 # Thomas 2011-12-23 07:21
Use of studio lights and lightformer like softboxes, striplights etc.
Advice on directing people for poses would be intresting, too.
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0 # Stephen Carrillo 2011-12-23 15:58
You do a great job, Greg. I would like to see some more detailed videos on monitor and lens calibration as well as walkthroughs showing the use of Lightroom and Photoshop together.
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0 # Jim 2011-12-24 08:52
Greg,

First thank you for taking the time and effort for this site. You can see that many appreciate it and find it useful.

Well guess ditto would be the one word to sum it up since many have already given similar suggestions to what I would enjoy seeing you do in 2012.

But here is my list:

Lightroom tutorials both full and just some quick tips
Behind the scenes videos of a photo shoot (including everything you do prior to and after the session)
Opportunities to do a walking photo tour as a meet up

Have a great Christmas/New Years!
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0 # Cody Williams 2011-12-24 09:00
Hi Greg!

It would be awesome if you could do a tutorial on how and when to use CTO's, CTB's, plus green and minus green gels on flash. Merry Christmas, man!
Cody
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0 # Vidar Hoel 2011-12-24 10:50
I would like more "Here is a fun thing to do:"-videos. Quick tips on what to do, that is something else than the standard (portraits, landscape, etc)

In other words - tutorials on something to do inside our house, with stuff (households objects) everyone already have in their house.
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+1 # Krishan Kimpo 2011-12-24 12:05
Some tutorials with Lightroom for the beginners and PRO's alike would be nice. :)
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0 # Manarianz FC 2011-12-24 12:07
i was looking to time-lapse photography tutorial,..from A-Z.. i mean from setting the shooting all the way to processing process..., =)
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0 # Rylan Strongman 2011-12-24 12:08
You should do some behind the scenes video during a shoot and explain what your doing. Just a though! :) Love your videos man, Merry Christmas!
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0 # vinny 2011-12-24 12:09
lots more lightroom tutorials
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+1 # Martinho Costa 2011-12-24 12:10
Hi Greg.. Greatings from Portugal. I like the actual format but it would be better if you make some videos on the street/other places aplying the knowledge and showing us who to do in the "battlefield".

Good work and Merry christmas!
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0 # Matthew Kunce 2011-12-24 12:15
I would love to watch you do a photo shoot with clients. There is so much to learn from watching pros in action.
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0 # Oscariño 2011-12-24 12:22
Tutorials on lighting indoor gyms set up remote cameras or flashes
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0 # Rick 2011-12-24 12:22
Greg,
I'd love to see more advanced Lightroom editing. Your edits are always so cerebral, compared to, say, just cranking saturation and contrast and shouting, "boom, I nailed again!" I really enjoy when I a video emulates the experience of getting to look over the shoulder of a pro as they work.

Also how about sharing mistakes you've made as a photographer. I feel like I learn the most when I consider those shots I took that didn't work out. Why are some images simply pictures, while others are photographs?

Thanks, Greg. Happy Holidays!
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0 # Phillip 2011-12-24 12:25
I'd like to see some detailed videos on variouis lighting effects - portrait, studio, - all the different techniques - rim, butterfly, short, long...
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0 # Steven Smafield 2011-12-24 14:19
I really liked the two part Q&A session you did. More of those would be great. I know sometimes it's a lot of repetitive stuff but us beginners sometimes have to hear the same thing three times three different ways for it to sink in.

Thanks again for taking all the time you do to help us.
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0 # Paul 2011-12-24 22:59
Posing couples is something I'm working hard to master. I'd love to see a tutorial on that.

Thanks for all you do. I learn something new in every video you make.

Paul
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0 # Robert Iles 2011-12-25 09:59
I have just purchased a D7000 as my first DSLR. And for Christmas I got Lightroom 3 and Photoshop plus the free package that came with the camera. So I would like to see items concerning beginners and any of the program's I have mentioned.
Thank you
Bob Iles
Bristol uk.
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+1 # Abs 2011-12-25 11:21
Hi, love the website and all the tutorials. I'm new to photography, and finding the tutorials very helpful in allowing me to improve my photo skills.
I would like a tutorial on how to do portrait shots of my new born. I'm very wary of using flash (in built) and possible damage o the babys eyes, but unfortunately, here in the UK its cold and overcast, so natural light is very poor. Recently got myself a 35mm Nikon 1.8 lense, so would like tips on how to improve lighting (maybe get some off camera flash/lights?)

thank you.
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0 # Carlos 2011-12-29 08:31
The only request I have is that you keep teaching, there`s a lot of topics you can cover, more histogram, this help me to understand more about the data collected way a picture, more data more details,and I`m no longer affraid of higher ISO, I can shoot at night with confidence thanks. Looking forward for your articles
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0 # Stephen 2012-06-13 04:18
Greg. Keep up the GREAT work you do to help us out here. Amazing stuff you provide for FREE!.

I think a good video to do would be one on explaining to the new and amateur photographers out about lens, and the difference between FX and DX lenses, and the proper lens buying path for the 1st 3 to 4 lenses in their bag. I think this is very underestimated on just how important it is.

A lot of new shooters have crop body cameras (like me with my Canon 60D) due to cost and budget, and they are limited to what they can achieve with those non Full Frame cameras. It would be good to explain why good lenses cost so much and just what you get for the $$ the pros pay (wide apertures, no flare, etc), and explain a good lens buying method / path for the beginner (with a DX / dropped body camera) and those with full frame. Perhaps show some example pix of the same shot taken with a DX and FX camera and lens to compare the pros/cons of each.

Obviously for Full Frame, the usual "Holy Trinity" for lenses for a Pro is the :
16-24 or 16-35 f2.8, then the 24-70 f2.8, and then the 70-200 f2.8 or similar range zooms. After that 1 or 2 fixed focal primes would be added as well like a 85mm or 135mm for portraits.

Unfortunately most amateurs and beginners cant afford full frame bodies and lens and to try and match this "holy trinity" is very hard to do because they just don't make the corresponding ranges for beginner/low dollar cameras, and they crop factor of x1.5 (Nikon) or x1.6 (Canon) affects the range they can achieve, so....

can you explain to those with non Full Frame bodies, on what their lens buying strategy should be so they don't spend extra money and waste their time and get frustrated over buying or buying overlapping lens ranges or buying another kit lens to replace the one they have. This seems to be a big problem until they "see the light".

And also explain why its important to get the largest FIXED aperture on lens instead of the variable aperture zoom lenses and what they lose with those.

I think a lot of new photographers don't understand why this limits them and they always ask why then cant get a nice blurred out/bokeh background with their DX camera equipment.

I think this would help the community and avoid many frustrations for a lot of new folks who don't have a personal mentor to "show them the way"

Between you and Jared Polin (Fro), Ive learned a LOT to help me better at my craft.

Keep up all the great work.


Stephen S.
So. California
Canon 60D
50mm f.18 / 10-22mm zoom / 15-85mm zoom
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