THE APPRENTICE
TECHNIQUE ASSESSMENT
Damian helped PhotoPlus Apprentice Helen get her camera set up for creative shots
MANUAL MODE FOR CREATIVITY
“HELEN WAS used to leaving the camera in Automatic mode and using natural light, but today we’re working indoors and want to be more creative, so I explained how to use Manual mode and control the settings,” said Damian. “I got Helen to think about shutter speed and depth of field as a means of making some artistic and abstract images. We started at f/8 and 1/200 sec for the flash, but changed things up as we experimented with exposures and shapes.”
RAW IMAGE QUALITY
“I’M A creature of habit and always shoot in Raw,” Damian explained “Although the files are larger and fill up memory cards more quickly, the benefit of having so much more control in post-processing is worth it.” Damian added, “For the type of work we’re doing today, there’s lots you can do with colour in Lightroom and Photoshop with Raws – you can really get the artistic juices flowing.”
PRO TIP
SMOKE COLUMNS
“PHOTOGRAPHING SMOKE involves a lot of trial and error, as you cannot predict the movement of the vapour, so you need to keep trying until you get some shapes you like. Joss sticks provide a reliable source of smoke and have the benefit of making the room smell nice!” commented Damian. “Helen had never seen a pro photographer at work and hadn’t appreciated how much thought goes into setting up the shot, even before we picked up the camera.”
DAMIAN’S COMMENT