Sheffield Photographers

Music Photographers Will Love This

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:08:21 +0000

A full day in the sunshine, beers, hot food from around the world, and live bands all day long from 11am to 6pm

Bring your cameras down and grab some shots of some top bands that will be there

(doesn't matter if you're not a footy fan - last year there were all kinds of people there !)

Bring it on !

The New Adobe Cloud Service

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:18:49 +0000

I have subscribed to the new Adobe Creative Cloud and am really happy with it

As well as photoshop and lightroom it also has all the other Adobe suite packages that I also use regularly

Theres an outcry from photographers that its too expensive though

Anyone else using this Adobe Creative Cloud?

How Much Do You Use Your Dslr For Video?

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:15:47 +0000

Have you used your DSLR for video much ?

My 5Dmkii gets used way more for video than anything else as it frustrates the hell out of me as a stills camera due to its pathetic AF etc

Just wondered how much you guys use video

Just The Right Moment...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:18:27 +0000

Snapped while out walking in Wharncliffe Woods. One of those "You couldn't plan it" shots...

Lightroom 5 Advanced Healing Brush

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:08:30 +0000

My word this is amazing - the spot visualiser is incredible and extremely useful for anyone who finds after a shoot that they have a dirty sensor !

Have a watch

Printing - Who Do You Use?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:29:36 +0000

So who does everyone use for their prints?

I'm actually using Costco as they do proper wet process prints with their mini-lab and provide profiles as well.

Generally very pleased with the results - although I don't send on a weekend any more, I can get them within 45 mins if I do, but they don't tend to be as good (not bad, but there's something not quite right) as it's not the main staff member working the gear.

Harrison Cameras Have Stacks Of 'l' Lens Loveliness At The Moment !

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:27:18 +0000

Harrison Cameras have got 'L'oads of 'L'ovely 2nd hand 'L'enses at the moment:
14mm F2.8
16-35mm F2.8 mk II
25-105mm F4 IS
85mm F1.2
28-300mm IS
70-200mm F4 IS
100-400mm IS
300mm F4
180mm F3.5 Macro
400mm F5.6
1.4x mk II extender
2x mk II extender

Nip down for a nosy asap before they're gone !

Restricted Equipment = Better Creativity

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:44:56 +0000

Photographers will always want and need more equipment thats just the way of things.

But recently Ive been deliberately starving myself of equipment when going out on shoots in order to test myself.

What I have most definitely found is that by planning to take lenses I wouldnt normally use, that it forces me to think more and become more creative.

I left the 24-70 and 70-200 at home recently and went out armed only with 50mm lenses and because Id planned that it became on of the most pleasing, fun shoots Id done in a while and the results were more interesting too.

To any photographer out there I think this is one of the most valuable exercises you can do to refresh yourself

Go right back to basics regarding your equipment, and see what you can achieve with a lens you dont normally favour and watch how excited you get and how different the resulting shots are.

I guarantee you its something you will find immense fun !

Waterfalls

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:35:38 +0000

Anyone know where the nearest decent waterfall to Sheffield is?

Ideally looking for one for a backdrop to a model so needs to have a decent drop to it

Lightroom 5 Beta Now Available

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:43:17 +0000

Adobe Lightroom 5 Beta is now available for download and has already been described as incredible

Heres the link - https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/entitlement/index.cfm?e=labs_lightroom5&sdid=KFENU

Let us know what you think of it...

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:39:10 +0000

A few from a recent visit from Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Skid Row Live In Manchester

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:53:08 +0000

I always hate taking photos in Moho (NQ) Live, always dark and always a load of dry ice. Really quite like this one of Rachel though, the new D600 seems to handle near darkness better than the Pentax K5

Quite like this one of Rachel though...

By the way, did anyone else shoot the HRH fests at Magna last weekend ? Still ploughing through the thousands of photos I took

Exhibition Of Photography In Sheffield - Have A Look :-)

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:44:22 +0000

We are excited to announce that You’re Not Alone, our first major show from The Long Gallery, will be moving to Sheffield City Centre.

Following its successful run in The Children's Hospital you will be able to view extended content in a very unique exhibition.

Photographers Shaun Bloodworth, Andy Brown and Richard Hanson were given unlimited access to our wards and departments where they documented some truly inspirational stories. View their work in two fantastic locations, including the first proper art exhibition at Sheffield Train Station.

Friday 3rd May - Saturday 1st June

The Workstation

Paternoster Row, S1 2BX

and

The Waiting Rooms of Sheffield Train Station

Sheaf Street, S1 2BP

http://www.tchc.org.uk/youre-not-alone-relocates

Do You Do Your Main Editing In Lightroom Or Photoshop ?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:47:32 +0000

Have been using both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for years but have found myself doing basic maintainance and logging on Lightroom and then moving to Photoshop for touching up

Haven't really go to grips with Lightroom's tools fully yet and it's starting to frustrate me having to go to Photoshop for adjustments and finishing off

Does anyone use Lightroom for the whole edit of an image ?

If so - what tools in Lightroom do you use most ?

Sony Demonstration Day - Saturday 13Th April... Check This One Out...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:30:29 +0000

On Saturday 13th April Harrison Cameras are holding a Sony Demo day at their London Road, Sheffield store.

Sony expert Mike Tudor will be on hand to answer all your questions.

Harrison Cameras will have plenty of Sony equipment for you to play with.

On the day "in store only" offers will be available

Remember a free car park next door is available for all Harrison Camera customers.

Have You Ever Had A Lens Cleaned And Serviced?

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:15:47 +0000

Dont like the idea of having any lens opened up - scares the life out of me

Anyone had a lens serviced?

3Hr Commercial Shoot - Photographer Wanted

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:47:11 +0000

Photographer needed for 3 hour commercial shoot on the 14th in Beaconsfield

Please contact kirsty@yarwood-white.com

Photoshop And Lightroom Brushes

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:12:01 +0000

I play with these from time to time but never really use them consistently in my workflow

Does anyone have any favourite brushes they have installed?

What Features Would You Like On Your Next Camera?

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 08:48:03 +0000

With technology advancing so quickly we are starting to see things like built in wifi as standard

But are there any features youd lime to see in your next camera that you dont currently have?

For me remote use by Iphone/Ipad would be good

Twitter, Should I Make More Of An Effort

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 08:39:24 +0000

I have to say I don't really understand Twitter, but as a photographer looking to promote myself, should I make more of an effort.

Shoot Professional Boxers....

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:18:07 +0000

Are there any photographers out there who would like to shoot some professional boxers/boxing ?

If so please post your interest below as I'm putting something very special together

Backup Day !

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:08:08 +0000

Did you join in on national backup day ?

If not - how often and how do you back up your work?

Do you use external hard drives or cloud or both?

Fulmars On St Kilda

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:12:48 +0000

First attempt at bird photography was when I was stuck on St. Kilda at the start of the year...

Attached Images

Slice Of Luck...

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:06:10 +0000

Hi All,

First time out with the D600 I was doing the obligatory cloud shots, when this happened...

Never manage it again I imagine

Iain

The Rule Of Odds

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:43:08 +0000

Rule of odds is an interesting concept that is useful to know - whether you decide to use it or not !

As with all rules in photography, treat them as guides rather than 'must do's

The rule of odds can help with basic composition in your photography and given a bit of practice you should find it second nature

I'm not going to overcomplicate this by the way - it's just a very topline basic guide to what the rule of odds is so you can go out and interpret it as you like, learn as you go, and take advice on this from others more experienced with it than myself

The human eye naturally finds certain thing 'pleasing' visually without you realising why sometimes..

The rule of odds is a very simple concept you can sum up in just one single line statement

An uneven number of subjects (e.g. three people) is more pleasing than even numbers (four people starts to become distracting for the viewer)

Told you it was simple !

If you take a look at images that you find pleasing, have a look and see how many subjects are the focal point of the shot - and look at even and odd numbers in these shots and you should see what I mean..

Now if you shoot a large number of people you might be thinking that the rule of odds is impossible..

How could you shoot 20 people (for example) and still apply the rule of odds ?

Well the way I'd suggest presenting them is in an odd number of ways.. for example slightly split the group if you can into three main groups of people (don't have to be spaced out necessarily) and use the groups the same as you would the single numbers when applying the rule of odds.

As with all rules this should be taken as a guide and not as a 'must' so if this doesn't particularly work for you then that's fine - every photographer shoots in different ways in different styles

The rule of odds is there to remember if you want to create more pleasing shots when shooting a number of main subjects in the same shot

So next time you are shooting keep in mind the rule of odds - that an odd number of subjects (people, horses, apples, windows) is more pleasing on the eye than even numbers !

Studio Training Day At Jfyp Studio

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:21:32 +0000

Good opportunity to acquire some base skills and some experience in the studio environment...!

See more details / links on the Facebook link >>> https://www.facebook.com/events/446827852058777/

Feel free to ask any questions on here too!

Light Meters For Studio Work

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:28:34 +0000

Are light meters essential or useful tools in a photographic studio ?

I know when I've been working under studio lights I find them an absolute must for ensuring exposure is bang on the mark but I also know other photographers who wouldn't dream of using light meters

I picked up a relatively inexpensive Sekonic light meter for my studio work and am very glad I did.. It makes the whole metering of light in a studio so much easier for me, speeds up my workflow, and never lets me down

When I'm using it I measure the light on the subject at various points, as well as background light metering etc

I don't just measure one area (for example the models face), I measure the whole scene from shoes to head - to ensure even light spread where I want it

But other photographers I know have never used one and never will.. and in some cases they get quite annoyed when it's suggested they try one !

Little Things That Annoy You But Shouldn't Really

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:09:08 +0000

A slightly lighthearted topic really but I am sure that we all have those little things that irritate us when really we shouldn't bother about them at all. I think I may have too many to list them all but one thing that really irritates me is people that post nude images in places that don't welcome them (i.e. Facebook) and so they put black lines across the bits that are not welcome. If the photograph isn't suitable for the site then don't use it, I've yet to see a photograph that has been improved by a black line being placed across it.

You could of course upload the photograph to one of the galleries on here and post a link to it on other sites. Problem solved, I don't have to see black lines on photographs.

Bigger Or Smaller Dslrs?

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 21:49:45 +0000

With Canon releasing a tiny DSLR recently has the time come where we will see petite DSLRs selling well?

I have massive hands so need a really large body plus grip but Im sure these smaller DSLRs will suit others with smaller hands?

Copyright And Distribution Of Your Photography

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:33:02 +0000

What always baffles me is that in this day and age some photographers still don't really understand the internet, social networking and how the sharing of photo's is now the norm

To see photographers splashing their watermarks on their shots (still.... in 2013...) always makes me chuckle as it shows a real lack of understanding about the current ecosystem of the internet

It's like they believe that to watermark their work and splash their name all over the photo in question will stop it being shared, used, distributed or borrowed.

That's simply not going to happen

What WILL happen is that the photo will still be used on social networking, shared on twitter, borrowed by websites and used by others.

That much I can pretty much guarantee

So how do you stop the distribution online of your work ?

Simple - don't put it on the internet

Once it's on the internet you can't take it back.. you can't stop it being used, shared or distributed

Fair enough if you put your logo on the bottom right hand corner of your image or such like - in order to try and get some recognition for your work

But please... wake up to the internet... and stop banging your watermark all over your images as it makes you look a bit out of touch

Rant over...

Things You Can't Do... Post Your Weaknesses !

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:09:56 +0000

This is a thread for the brave and non egotistical that can admit their weaknesses, with a view to other members helping out and suggesting how to improve..

Just to show how it works I'll happily go first

I can't shoot food shots

Take a look at the shot I've attached for examples

Re: the burger one I realise that possibly the weakness is totally in the preparation and presentation of the food before I took the shot (amongst other things). A big lump of weak looking rocket in the way of the moist (and excellent) meat on the burger I can see now is a total mess and completely my fault

(this wasn't a pro or paid shot - just a quick snap from the restaurant where I know the owners well)

Feel free to offer some advice on how this could and should be done better

Canon 24-70Mm F2.8L Lens For Sale

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:17:18 +0000

Owned since new in 2009, it is now time to part with this lovely piece of glass. It comes with original box, both lens caps and hood. Well looked after lens and a nice sharp example. £830. Collection preferred (Chesterfield).

Digitalrev...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:15:19 +0000

Has anyone used DigitalRev to buy camera or photography gear ?

Based abroad but with a base in the UK it's fast becoming the number one supplier for photographers who are looking to save loads of their dollars and pounds on the latest camera gear

I know Dean Stead recently bought his Canon 60D from there and said he thought they were really good to deal with

Anyone else used these to buy gear and would you recommend them ?

Canon 6D - The New Camera From Canon

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:09:05 +0000

Has anyone tried or bought the new Canon 6d full frame camera ?

The specs are pretty impressive it has to be said and some really cool features but is it enough to tempt people to part with their cash ?

Has anyone given this a test drive yet ?

PS remote shooting with the Iphone ?

Cool !!

Wide Angle Lenses

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:47:48 +0000

What's the widest angle lens you have in your bag and have you mastered it yet ?

Reason I ask is that I have a 10mm to 22mm Sigma and it's not that easy to get right in terms of getting the central location of the subject and ensuring straight lines don't fold in (if that makes sense !)

God knows how I'd get on with an 8mm..

Usain Bolt Vs The Samsung Smart Camera Nx300 - Video

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:02:31 +0000

Nik Filters Collection Now Available For Just 149 Dollars !

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:13:40 +0000

Sheffield Photographers out there should lap this up - 6 plug-ins for Photoshop, Lightroom etc that will enhance what you do once you've got the hang of them..

Have a look at this..

Advanced editing, simplified
Easily create the photos you've imagined with 6 award-winning plug-ins for Photoshop®, Lightroom®, or Aperture®.

Make precise edits quickly
Use U Point technology to selectively edit just the parts of your photos that need touching up, without losing time on complex masks and selections.

More affordable than ever
Now you can get all six plug-ins for 70% off of the original price. Or take the whole collection for a spin with a 15-day free trial.

http://www.niksoftware.com/nikcollection/usa/index.php?view=intro%2Fmain.shtml

Film.... Anyone Still Using It ?

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:13:06 +0000

In this world of digital photography are there still any sheffield photographers out there still working with film ?

The experienced film photographers can still produce unbeatable results because they know what they're doing and are experts at what they do sometimes and it would be good to know that film photography hasn't died out completely

Anyone out there still working with film ?

If you did and have switched to digital - tell us when and what made you make the jump over to the digital world...

And.. if you did switch - are you happy with the results vs working with film?

Second Shooter Work On Weddings

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:10:35 +0000

I know a couple of Sheffield Photographers who are just starting in the Wedding photography industry by working as a second shooter on weddings with established professional wedding photographers.

This seems like a cracking way to see how a wedding works, gain invaluable experience, and to get to grips with shooting weddings

It seems like a sensible solution for professional wedding photographers to have a team rather than working solo given the sheer difference in shots expected by couples on their wedding day

Can anyone give us their experience of second shooting - whether that be a pro wedding photographer who has second shooters, or perhaps the second shooters themselves - and tell us what their experiences have been (good or bad)

Fabrication - Sheffield Photography Exhibition

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:48:46 +0000

20 sheffield Hallam photography students currently have an exhibition being held at Montgomery Art's Centre until the 29th April.

There is a range of work on display from some up and coming new talent

Tuesday, 26 March 9am-6pm
Wed-Thurs 27-28 March 9am-4pm
Friday, 29 March-Monday 1 April: The Montgomery closed, Easter
Tuesday 2 April: 9am-12pm, 3pm-6pm
Wed-Fri 3-5 April 9am-4pm
Mon 8 April, 9am-4pm
Tues 9 April, no public access
Wed 10 April, no public access
Thursday 11 April, 9am-4pm
Friday 12 April, no public access

Derelict Warehouses Etc

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:24:57 +0000

Any ideas on a large derelict building like a warehouse or factory ?

Am looking for one to use for a couple of shoots

Best Way To Learn Studio Photography?

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:14:38 +0000

Have seen a few things recently like Peter McLeans popular group shoots and studio tuition

Have also seen YouTube videos on the subject

Have also seen cheap studio lighting starter kits

What would you suggest to a total newbie as the best way to learn studio lighting techniques and theory?

Shooting In Raw Mode On A Dslr

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:03:11 +0000

Question for all you photographers out there using DSLR's - do you shoot in RAW mode ?

I know it's not always practical to shoot in RAW (or is it ?) and it can reduce your buffering and shutter speed when shooting loads in one go - but is it worth the extra time, effort and memory card space to shoot in RAW ?

Canon 5D Classic

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:45:14 +0000

Canon Eos 5d Mk1 full frame DSLR camera for sale

I never sell things usually but feel a bit guilty about hoarding such a beautiful camera when someone could be using it

It's an original Canon Eos 5d mark 1 full frame DSLR camera - with battery grip and shedloads of batteries (and charger)

Will dig out exactly what I have later but just wanted to see if there was any interest out there for a full frame dslr locally before I drop it onto Ebay

Works perfectly - gets great shots - and is perfect for anyone fancying a full frame camera for the first time

No idea what it's worth - does anyone out there know how much I'd likely get for it ?

Jfyp Studio - Hire For Photoshoots - Rotherham

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:44:09 +0000

JFYP STUDIO

JFYP Studio is a relatively new studio and is available for shoots, for hire, for you...! A venue for many recent Peter McLean Group Shoots

Just For You Photography (JFYP) Studio is located in Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham in an old council depot and has a large car park. The studio is located upstairs and is one large room split in various areas for studio shooting, including large white area, low key area and comfort area.

Full contact details are:-

JFYP Studio

Unit 12 Skin Yard

Biscay Lane

Wath upon Dearne

S63 6PT

Tel: 01709 875261 (Studio) or 07803 710700 (Mobile)

Website: www.jfyp.co.uk

Facebook : www.facebook.com/jfyp.co.uk

e-mail: andy@jfyp.co.uk

Studio is available for hire to all protographers at great competitive rates!

Prices are:-

Members rates - £14 per hour Mon-Sun 8am - 10pm

Non-members rates - £21 per hour weekdays, £25 per hour weekends

Membership is £40 per year, but on offer to all 'Sheffield Photographer' members at £20 per year, so payback in less than 3 hours hiring!

Hire rates include use of all lighting and other equipment (except cameras, available at extra charge), all backgrounds and props etc.

Feel free to book appointment to view facilities with no commitment.

Marketing Via Google+

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:20:28 +0000

Really disappointed with Google+

It hasnt really taken off the way Google would have wanted despite having a gorgeous app.

The lack of people taking it up overall makes it difficult to be worth bothering with

Does anyone out there successfully market their photography business using Google+ ?

Hdr And Overdoing It

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:44:02 +0000

First of all let me say that Im a bug fan of HDR when it is done correctly.

There are shots post processed in HDR styles that can look really effective and add much to the image you originally took.

The most important aspect of HDR however is done in camera at the time of taking the shot, where the process is managed properly and the various exposures used later to create what would be called genuine HDR

All too often now though many photographers skip the creating in camera part and have now resorted to taking a single frame and post processing it with an HDR filter to try and replicate HDR look

This isnt always the worst thing in the world but jts 2013 and there are still photographers out there overdoing it

I see certain photographers just putting all their images through a HDR filter or action in photoshop or lightroom and overdoing it until its a fat ugly mess

The thing for me is that mass use of HDR should have ended in 2010/2011 and like selective colouring (where you turn a city shot into black and white and leave just a taxi in original colour for example) is now way out of fashion and already look dated and unimaginative

There are exceptions however. For instance boxing shots can benefit from a really mild and subtle HDR effect but other than that Im struggling to think of many reasons you would want to go near your images with a HDR process

All too often we see images of steam trains or castles with ugly HDR filters applied that ruin the shot

Im past the point now where I can sit quietly on the subject and thought Id make a plea to all you togs out there using HDR filters in photoshop or lightroom - please stop !!

Its ugly, dated, and unneccesary !

Agree or disagree ?

Work In Progress Shot....

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:36:01 +0000

Here's what you don't see that often - a work in progress picture showing an image currently being worked on

Thought I'd share a screengrab of what I'm editing at the moment - hope you like it

Reagan Denton - Professional Boxer

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:27:21 +0000

Sheffield professional boxer Reagan Denton pictured during a fight at Don Valley Stadium

Abandoned Faith Live At Dove & Rainbow In Sheffield

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:13:00 +0000

Abandoned Faith singer Jay Hewitt is one of the best lead singers to shoot as he's always 100% committed to what he does (great band too)

This one was shot at Dove and Rainbow in Sheffield