Topics You'd Like to See Covered at DPS

[Darren Rowse]

I regularly hear from readers that they'd like to see a tutorial written on one topic or another on the main DPS site (http://www.digital-photography-school.com/blog). While I have a long list of things to research and write about it's always good to have more suggestions.

If you have a topic you'd like to see written about then please suggest it below.

I can't guarantee I'll have enough knowledge to write it or that it'll be something I take up quickly - but hopefully I'll get to everything eventually (or will find someone who can).

[Bail]

Somethings I would like to see covered are

1. Lighting Equipment - explore all the diffrent kinds of equipment and what they can do.

2. Lighting / Flash - Using the lighting equipment and/or flash to get the picture the way you want it.

3. Shortcuts - Little tips and tricks you can do with the camera and/or the backround that will make your picture look a lot better.

[hitkaiser]

How to use histograms for the everyday user to do different things such as checking how good exposure is etc...

Also, a "search" on the website, I tried to check if this topic was already written and I couldn't find a search tool !

[Joshua Schroeder]

I second those that have been posted already. I'd also like a panoramics/stitching how-to.

[Darren Rowse]

good ideas.

I should mention that if anyone ever feels they have expertise to write any of these types of tutorials I'd love to talk to them about doing that.

Together we know so much more than alone.

[NaturesPixel]

yep i need Flash info... i am looking to getting a flash for my d50.. and i don't understand anything i have read so far...lol

maybe some info on Macro bellows/ and sliders.. as it can be cheaper alternate method when using a small prime like a 50mm ???

[jewels inet]

How about some very basic things. There are many people who are getting into digital photography who do not understand basics of photography. We read the manual that came with the camera, but understanding is another thing. I think the best way to learn is to take one basic at a time and go out and practice.

Some basics to cover:
On the flickr site under the assignment How Did You Take It? (http://flickr.com/groups/digitalps/discuss/72157594365789132/) people post a photo and their settings. What do the settings mean? Please don't tell me that is a stupid question, we just need some basic help.
For example,
Exposure: 15 sec
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 6.2mm
ISO Speed: 80
******************
24mm@f/10, 1/15 exposure
******************
Landscape mode, 62mm Focal Length (Auto settings used an exposure of 1/200, aperature of f/10, and an ISO speed of 400)
******************
F/10 1/160s 24mm ISO 200

I went though my book "The Joy of Digital Photography" to get some ideas of camera basics most camera bugs will know, but newbies will appreciate gaining a better understanding:

1. ISO (stands for International Standards Organization) What does it all mean, how to decide what ISO to choose. Explanation of default ISO and camera sensitivity detecting light level changes. What happens to image quality when higher ISO setting is used?

2. What is digital noise and what to do about it?

3. White balance - what is white balance, why should I care, and what can we do?

4. Camera Handling - holding the camera steady with hands or tripod/monopod.

5. Battery management

6. Measuring the light, use of flash

7. Light direction

8. Exposure and exposure modes

9. Exposing difficult subjects (example bright white swan)

10. Dept of field

11. Shutter speed

12. How to handle shutter lag

13. Developing a shooting workflow

14. Artisitic arrangement

15. Photo Composition

[Darren Rowse]

good idea jewels inet - how about some of those topics? ;-)

[Bail]

Also, a "search" on the website, I tried to check if this topic was already written and I couldn't find a search tool !

Untill that happens (I Hope it does). There is a neat little trick with google. I use it on this blog all the time.

Go to Http://www.google.com, Enter http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/, Space and then what your searching for. google will only search the blog.

[Darren Rowse]

there will definitely be a search feature on the new design of the blog as well as better catagories.

[Learner]

I'm not sure if this is the place, but would if be appropriate to have info (very basic) on use of PSPXI.

[ChristianJames]

More business aspects of photography - everything from selling prints to starting your own studio - maybe photographers interviews about their experiences
More about off camera lighting

[jhawksley]

I would like to see a guide on using programs such as PTlens for correcting vignetting/pincushion/perspective distortion.

[kunaldaswani]

I would like to know the basic set up you would require to set up a small studio or something to that effect at home. Like what kinda light, backdrop, size of the room.

[ChristianJames]

I would like to know the basic set up you would require to set up a small studio or something to that effect at home. Like what kinda light, backdrop, size of the room.

I second that request.

And PTLens is a great little program, especially useful for architecture photography, but I still end up doing a lot of guesswork even if it has my lens in the library.

[NeuroVision]

I would love to know how to harness mixtures of artificial and natural light to achieve different effects. Bounce cards, diffusers, flashes, strobes... all a mystery to me! I know it isn't magic, but it seems as such.

[googlit]

I would like to see a guide on using programs such as PTlens for correcting vignetting/pincushion/perspective distortion.

There is actually a filter in PS2 that takes care of all of that, and it's pretty self-explanatory. and awesome.
Filter > Distort > Lens Correction

[Papuass]

I would like some articles of interesting things in photography theory whic can be applied in real life.

Another thing would be some practical post-processing tips, as I mostly end up by not post-processing my pictures at all. Some approaches of managing your digital photo library would be also useful - specific software, folder structure etc.

[Papuass]

There is actually a filter in PS2 that takes care of all of that, and it's pretty self-explanatory. and awesome.
Filter > Distort > Lens Correction

You know, not everyone can afford buying Photoshop and some free/open-source or low cost tools is still an option for many. That would be a point of article, which, of course, should mention this feature in Photoshop.

[thedailykimchi]

Maybe a few sticky threads of the Photography 101 for DSLR users and regular PandS users.

[Anita]

I shoot RAW and am currently using Bridge, Adobe Camera RAW and Photoshop for post production work. I am still struggling to figure out the most efficient way to process my images quickly. I know you can apply "Actions" to several images at once, but different images need different tweaks, so how is this efficient? I'd love to read about effective workflows from the moment images are downloaded onto the computer to finished products (including naming conventions, file structure, archiving, etc.)

Thanks! :)

[Anita]

I'm looking into going into the portraiture business, and would like some input on pricing structure, best way to deliver proofs and final product, tips, thoughts and ideas on the business side of photography in general.

Thanks.

[Anita]

I'm a bit overwhelmed with the variety of software available for RAW conversion. As I said in an earlier post I'm currently on a PC and use Bridge, Adobe Camera RAW and Photoshop, but am thinking of switching over to a Mac and Aperture. I'd love to see the pros and cons and comparisons of Adobe RAW, Aperture, CaptureOne, Lightbox, Bridge (I think that's what it's called) and any other software people use for this purpose. I'd love to see side-by-side comparisons.

Thanks.

[kunaldaswani]

Since we all do not have the luxury of traveling the world. I was wondering if we could have an assignment where we can display something unique to our particular city. Like for example, I live in southern India and I will post a shot of a south Indian temple, or a south Indian dance. Basically cultural exchange, and what better media than thro photography.

[KatherineEmma]

Since we all do not have the luxury of traveling the world. I was wondering if we could have an assignment where we can display something unique to our particular city. Like for example, I live in southern India and I will post a shot of a south Indian temple, or a south Indian dance. Basically cultural exchange, and what better media than thro photography.

TrekEarth (http://www.trekearth.com/) does exactly that. If you're not aware of it, you might want to check it out.

[Nicole]

TrekEarth (http://www.trekearth.com/) does exactly that. If you're not aware of it, you might want to check it out.

Oh, I love the TrekEarth (http://www.trekearth.com), TrekNature (http://www.treknature.com) and TrekLens (http://www.treklens.com) sites :)

[andy206uk]

I personally would love to see a monthly photo competition. Perhaps tie it into the assigment but for you to pick a top three and hand out some form of prize (even if it's just something small).

With the amount of visits you get on the site, I'm sure you would be able to get some quite large companies to sponsor the monthly contests... :D

[testmonkey]

I second the need for discussion on the histogram. Even my p/s Sony V3 will let me have at that display, but it's currently not doing me any good.

I also second the need for some good tutorials on getting the most out of an external flash.

There has been discussion on lighting and studio setup. To be a bit more specific, I'd love to see some DIY-style articles on setting up a home studio on the cheap.

[rpaladino]

Photography as a business...selling prints, stock photography, internet presence, submitting your website to search engines, increasing your ranking, etc.
Interviews with professional photographers covering the type of photography they do, how they got started, first big break, what keeps them inspired and motivated and more.

Thanks!
Raquel

[Seltzer]

Maybe different suggestions for seasons/holidays. Here in the midwest everything is a bit dead but currently the Holiday/Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza, etc.. lights and decorations are up and going.
There have already been some nice Halloween and Fireworks tips and such, might as well just cover the rest.

[Liquid Cheese]

How about ideas or help for shooting in bad weather or ways of using the bad weather to our advantage. With the days only getting worse it could be pretty helpful for those of us too stubborn to give up during the horrible days :D

[Nicole]

How about ideas or help for shooting in bad weather or ways of using the bad weather to our advantage. With the days only getting worse it could be pretty helpful for those of us too stubborn to give up during the horrible days :D

My thought exactly! It's pouring down rain here and it's supposed to be summer! :rolleyes:

[Newyorican]

Darren,

Would a series of tutorials on Photoshop be appropriate?