Mentoring Workshops
At the April 27th meeting, six volunteer members mentored us through hands-on practice, presentations and demonstrations. Here is just a brief look at the knowledge and experience they shared.
Portrait and Still Life
Grant and Marlene brought their lights and volunteered their expertise and modelling abilities to facilitate the development of our portrait techniques.
Here’s an example of the lengths (or should I say depths) to which Grant went to maneuver the lighting. And a big thank you to Marlene for being the model for this shoot.
Station #1 Landscape and Black & White Photography
Clive discussed and demonstrated many aspects of Landscape and Black & White photography. He shared his workflow (Raw–Aperture–Exposure, Saturation, Crop, Levels, Spots then converting to Black & White. Further post-processing techniques were demonstrated. He emphasized the advantages of shooting in colour and then converting to Black & White. The conversion of the image of a Red Car to Black & White was illustrated using various filters to maximize the “red” of the car. He also demonstrated the use of the burn and dodge tools.
Clive’s image of Bedwell Bay demonstrates his talent in both Landscape and Black & White Photography.
Station #2 Post-processing Techniques
Terry demonstrated a variety of post-processing techniques including the careful selection of an object and changing it’s background using layer masks. Examples of the textures used were provided by Terry and are available in Photoshop Gradients and Textures. Terry has also provided Step-by-Step Guides for various post-processing techniques.
Station #3 Close-Up & Macro Photography
John brought a variety of tools for use in Macro and Close-Up Photography. He discussed the difference between macro and close-up photography and demonstrated the use of many of his tools such as extension tubes, macro lenses, close-up filters, tripods, clamping devices, etc. John also provided a useful Handout – Close-up and Macro Photography Notes – April 2015.
Station #4 One-on-One Critique
Lewis shared his CAPA judging expertise in evaluating images by providing private constructive criticism of three images for 7 members. Lewis discussed positive aspects of one’s images and made recommendations on how the image could be improved. By following his suggestions, distracting elements could be eliminated and improve the overall composition of an image. Here is an example:
Before
After
