One of the biggest complaints a concert photographer can have is the quality of light. Low light, contrasty light or my personal hate … the dreaded red wash. What is red wash? Basically a red light (sometimes other colours) that sets a great mood for the fans but totally destroys the details in the lighter… Continue reading Quick Tip #14: Fixing that fugly red light in a show with split toning
Photo Talk
Quick tip #13: Beware of contests
…. or read the fine print! It is so important when submitting your photos in a contest to read the fine print. Yes, it’s tedious. Yes, it’s small. But knowing where and how your image will be used, what happens with your copyright and so on is so important. There are many online contests and… Continue reading Quick tip #13: Beware of contests
Q&A: Why professionals charge what they do
I was having a drink with a friend a few weeks back and he asked me what my rates were for weddings. I told him that my average rates come out to $1400 for an 8 hour wedding (I do adjust rates based on what the couple requests 😉 ). He was a bit shocked… Continue reading Q&A: Why professionals charge what they do
Quick Tip #12: Let your photos simmer for a bit
I came upon this quote by famous street photographer Garry Winogrand “Photographers mistake the emotion they feel while taking the photo as a judgment that the photograph is good” – Garry Winogrand … and tied in to a discussion I had a few weeks ago with a fellow photog about looking at each of your… Continue reading Quick Tip #12: Let your photos simmer for a bit
From the Hip | Image critique – Jonathan
Another person to brave the public image critiques (all for the sake of seeing things differently and getting better) is Jonathan. A hobbyist photographer, he sent me 5 pretty different images. 1. Marathon de Montréal I really like the expression on the runner’s face, the timing was right on for getting that. The smile is… Continue reading From the Hip | Image critique – Jonathan
Quick Tip #10: Capturing a scene with panoramas
There are times when even the widest lens won’t capture a scene as you want it. So why not try a panorama? It’s easier than you think. I haven’t done a panorama in a long time. Actually, I can’t remember the last time I did. My Fuji x100s has a built in panorama feature, but… Continue reading Quick Tip #10: Capturing a scene with panoramas
From the hip | Image critique – Chantal
I received a set of images from Chantal, a photographer I know and have shot a few shows with in Montreal. Was fun to see her jump on board with the image critiques! Merci! 🙂 1. I like this image. It’s not perfect, but as part of a full set for a show, it is… Continue reading From the hip | Image critique – Chantal
Q&A: Asking permission when photographing people
Question: My question is this… I took a course in university on Anthropology of Images. One thing that was stressed was taking photos of people, strangers, and kids. I don’t take photos of stranger’s kids for obvious reasons. When you do your walkabouts, how do you feel when taking photos of strangers? Asking them takes… Continue reading Q&A: Asking permission when photographing people
From the hip | Image Critique – Judy
Ahh… the first installement of image critiques! There is no better way to grow as a photographer than to get honest feedback on your images. As a professional, I love to see what others are doing and often learn and get inspired by them as well. So I decided to offer up some images… Continue reading From the hip | Image Critique – Judy
Quick Tip #9: Shooting in B&W but working in colour
Say whaaaat? I know… I know. Many photographers (and clients) see my images on the back of my camera and they always comment on why I am shooting in black and white. They think it’s some sort of hipster retro way of shooting. But really, I like to see things in black and white. I… Continue reading Quick Tip #9: Shooting in B&W but working in colour
Quick Tip #8: The myth of web resolution
Sounds technical, don’t it? I guess this kind of is. There is a certain myth, or should I say misuse, of the term web resolution. I get emails asking for me to send images in a web resolution at 72 ppi. What is ppi? It’s short for Pixels Per Inch and it is a value… Continue reading Quick Tip #8: The myth of web resolution
Quick Tip #7: Local Camera Repair
We all know the myth (is it?) that once your warranty period ends, that is when things break. The same seems to happen with camera equipment. We all run in to issues with our gear. From dropping lenses, bodies that suddenly don’t auto focus like they should, pins that read memory cards that break, or… Continue reading Quick Tip #7: Local Camera Repair
Q&A: Help! Someone is using my image without permission!
Question: I saw website/band/person/magazine using my image without my permission, what do I do?
Quick tip #6: Editing images on your phone
They say the best camera is the one you have with you. And I find this to be so very true as many times I come across a scene and all I have is my [insert random smartphone here]. I can’t let the image get away, so I take the shot and it usually ends… Continue reading Quick tip #6: Editing images on your phone
Q&A: Prague Night Train | Not always about the gear
Question: What settings did you use for your train photo? What camera did you use? Did you crop the image?
Q&A: What to charge for my photo?
Question: This question doesn’t come from a specific person, but I’ve received it multiple times in the last year. We receive an email from someone who loves our image and wants to use it for x reason. Let me take a second and monologue about the importance of charging for images. In this day and… Continue reading Q&A: What to charge for my photo?
Beauty in imperfection?
Photographers, professional and amateur alike, are always on a quest to capture the perfect image. But what makes a perfect image? Is it the sharpness of the pixels? The fact that we can print it out bigger than a poster? Or is it the story that the image tells and the feeling it invokes.
Q&A: How to shoot in a photo pit? | Montreal Photographer
Hello. I have been invited to shoot in a photo pit for the first time at a concert. I have only photographed bands in smaller bars and the like, never in a bigger place. Do you have any tips to help me out?
Q&A: Buying a 6d or a 5d Mark III?
Question: Heya wanted to pick your brain. So I got the funds for a full frame camera. Was wondering your thoughs on the 6D as opposed to the 5D Mk III?
Quick Tip #5 – Light stars
Add some extra spice to your photos by taking a roundish light source and making it look like a star, all in camera. For you visual people, going from THIS
Q&A: Good beginner flash? | Montreal Photographer
Question: My niece’s birthday is coming up. She loves photography–she currently has a Canon 60D. What is a good versatile flash for an amateur photographer. I believe she has a 18-200 lens. However, I think she would probably enjoy Adobe Photoshop but there are so many. Any suggestions Pierre? Much appreciated.
Q&A: I need inspiration! Help!
Question: I’m in a photography rut. 🙁 (after I asked why) No inspiration whatsoever. None! I’ve started to hate my camera, lol. But for real. I haven’t shot anything since December 26th!!! Answer: It’s hard to just give inspiration via email… I really wish I could. But you need to find it on your own. When I… Continue reading Q&A: I need inspiration! Help!
Why you should shoot for free… | Montreal Event Photographer
Ok… that title is a bit misleading. Maybe it should be titled “WHAT you should shoot for free”. Figured the Why was a bit catchier 🙂 This doesn’t come from a direct question someone asked, but more from the standard emails I received inquiring about my photography services to cover their event… that has no… Continue reading Why you should shoot for free… | Montreal Event Photographer
Q&A: I’ve got dust spots on my images… help!
Question: I`ve got a terrible problem with dust spots. I use a hand blower to clean my camera and lenses but still get spots, especially when taking long exposures. Any idea what else I can do. Here`s a pic so you can see the extent of my problem…the photo was about after 30 shots..the problem… Continue reading Q&A: I’ve got dust spots on my images… help!