http://mansurovs.com/how-to-quickly-test-your-dslr-for-autofocus-issues
You will need to print out one of these:
On a related not: check out LensAlign
Shooting portraits with a DSLR
This is a good “dummies” book lesson on shooting portraits with a DSLR.
It is for a Canon 60D but the concepts apply to other cameras.
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Camera Class lessons
Formatting the card
After all your images are removed using Bridge
Program mode
In this mode, the camera only decides Shutter and Aperture for you
Exposure compensation, auto focus, flash, drive mode, White balance, are all set by you.
Shoot a variety of different scenes changing:
Exposure Compensation (include a back-lit scene)
Turn on and off the flash
Change the white balance
Aperture Priority Mode
Use a tripod if possible
This will allow lower than 1/60 shutter speed
Shoot a subject, and change the Aperture
Change the ISO to Auto if necessary
Focus Pull: manually refocus on a subject deeper into the scene
Note how exposure compensation will not change aperture
Shutter Priority Mode
Shoot a moving subject (sitting but arms waving), then change the shutter speed and reshoot. Th goal is to control the blur of the waving arms.
Note how exposure compensation will not change shutter speed
Focus
Work with Auto focus and focal points
Work with Manual focus
Work with AI Servo, tracking a focal point on a moving subject
Drive
Work with single
Work with Burst
Work with fast Burst
Work with Timer on a tripod
Portrait
Combine many of these skills using the Portrait handout
Camera Modes
Modes
Green box is Auto mode
P = Program mode
In this mode, the camera only decides Shutter and Aperture for you
Auto focus, flash, drive mode, White balance, are all set by you.
Tv or S = Time Value (Shutter Priority)
Av or A = Aperture Value (Aperture Priority)
M = Manual
B = Bulb
C = Custom
Flash off mode = Auto without flash
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Camera lens choice related to Depth of Field
A shallow depth of field puts the background out of focus and isolates the subject.
This shallow depth of field is favored by many photographers and filmmakers.
Usually we try and achieve a shallow depth of field by increasing the aperture (a lower f-stop number. f/18 has a more shallow dof than f/2.4.)
A longer lens is also a significant factor in reducing the depth of field.
A 35 mm lens will have a deep depth of field, so images in the distance appear sharp.
The image will appear wide angle or wide perspective.
A 100 mm lens will have a longer lens and shallow depth of field.
A longer lens = a higher focal length.
The higher focal length lenses also have a nice flattening effect on a subject.
(As opposed to a distorting the face.)
With a Zoom lens, Zoom in to achieve the higher mm (look at the lens casing.)
The subject will appear to get closer and depth of field will decrease.
http://www.diyphotography.net/depth_of_field
http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/tips/037b_dof_focal_length.htm
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/htmls/depth.html
Student links to their DSLR information
This page is where I collect information for my Photography students on their cameras.
Nikon D80
Rockwell on the Nikon D80
Canon 60D
Rockwell on 60D
Canon manuals downloads for 60D
Shooting portraits with the 60D
(useful for all DSLRs)
Canon Rebel XSi
Nikon D3100
Nikon D5000
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
EOS 1D Mark IV various manuals and guides
Sony SLT a57
Single Lens Translucent offers advantages over DSLR
Sony Alpha 850
These reviews written in 2009
The best way to spend $2,000 according to Ken Rockwell
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New Austin Meetup: Adobe CS6, Video/DSLR shooting/editing
I had the idea Austin needs a meetup for creatives to share all things Video/Film — getting into camera gear, image and video editing software (Adobe or others) and working on project concepts.
So I started this meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Austin-
We are brand new meetup group and seeking participation. Ideally, this group will create a context for people to learn, share their knowledge, and work on creative projects. We will be seeking knowledgeable people to present their services and skills. As we grow membership, the group can facilitate collaboration on video and related productions.
Anyway, feel free to contact me with any thoughts. You can go to meetup.com and join if so inspired — you will be updated. Being a meetup, there is zero commitment.
http://www.meetup.com/Austin-
Our group description
This group is for anyone interested in Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere, and shooting/editing with a video camera or DSLR. We are into learning software and gear, and collaborating on real-world projects. We are about creativity and expanding skills and experience. All skill levels are welcome. This is a chance to learn the software and hardware to create video and design projects. This group provides a platform for those who have skills to share and promote their knowledge, services, and creative endeavors.
Steve Connor
deep4d.com/instant
deep4d.tumblr.com
stephenpaulconnor.com
Ask me about Adobe & Autodesk training
PowerUp Photoshop CS6 Intro Class
If you are new to Photoshop, this foundation level class is for you. In a small group, we will spend 2 hours learning the interface, layers, the basics of the shape and brush tools, how to resize and crop photos, saving images for the web, adjust tonal values of a photograph, and more.
This is a great opportunity to unlock Photoshop. Get over the beginning learning curve, and start using this awesome tool! Get tickets.
Students are required to bring Photoshop CS6 on their PC or Mac laptops.
If you do not have Photoshop, you can download and install the free trial version.
Steve Connor is an Adobe Certified Instructor with 10 years teaching Photoshop in Austin. He uses Photoshop professionally and worked as a graphic designer. He has a BFA from Pratt Institute.
About Steve Connor and deep4d
Free Photoshop teaching videos
Steve’s design portfolio
Questions? Email Steve
Class location: Vuka Co-op off South First, Austin
Posted in Classes/Tutorials, Photoshop
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