Hello all!
Okay, who's up for a photography new years resolution? Who wants to resolve to learn a new technique every month? Me! Me!
Okay. So for whoever is game, I propose the 'New Technique of the Month Club.' Images will be tagged NTMC.
For Jan, I propose 'Practice with your newest camera or lens' month for all of those that got new toys for christmas. If you didn't get something new, pull out your least used lens or camera and keep with it for the month (that's including all of you that have lensbabies and don't use them very much!)
For the remaining 10 months, please post your suggestions of 'new years wish list' requests here, and we will vote on the other 10 and get the ball rolling.
I am in, a bit intimidated but would love to push myself out of my comfort zone, and like it being over a month. Panning would be a suggestion from me.
I'm in!! This will push me out of my comfort zone and make me learn my camera!!! I don't have suggestions for certain techniques because I need to work on all of it!!!!
Count me in - I'm up to learning some new stuff. Not sure what to do about January: I only have 2 lenses, and use both a lot. Maybe that's an excuse to buy another one :-)
What I want to practice/learn this year: tilt-shift effect, panning and HD pictures (taken separately then put together in PS or other software), and night picture especially of stars & milky way
Me, me, me!!! I am so in!! I got a new full frame camera back at the end of October, and I am still using my crop sensor D90 because I am so intimidated by it!! I keep telling myself that I need to work my way through the 500+ page manual before I can start using it, but I think that's just an excuse!! I am so comfortable and familiar with my old camera that it keeps me from trying something new. So, I am definitely loving the January challenge.
As for the other months, I would love to master HDR, get better with my macro lens, and also take my lensbaby, among other things. What a great idea! Thank you, Krista!
Is using a single focal length a technique? The 40 or 35mm has been my 'normal' length of choice. A month with 50mm would either expand my skill or confirm for me the 50 isn't nifty.
Me, me, me!!!! I lost my mojo at the end of last year. NTMC sounds perfect.
I never try any flower macro and love the link you posted. Count me in, please.
Oh, and I also want to mention that it won't be necessary to post everyday, so don't feel like this is a lifetime commitment or anything. I just want it to be a structure and a learning guide for that month. I think that if we know others are focusing on the same skill during that month we can learn from each other and ask questions since none of us will really be knowing what the heck we're doing. Even if you post just one photo that month of that skill set, you'll feel accomplished.
This is my first shot at the 365 Project, so this thread is very exciting! I mainly photograph kids & families (LOVE my nifty-50), so I'm excited to learn & experiment with other techniques.
- Landscape (fall?)
- Cityscape (I find urban areas challenging)
- Low light
- Natural Light
- Flash/studio light
- Macro
- HDR
I will give it a try, but also have no new equipment/ only 2 lenses. Not every day, but definitely each technique. Will there be a link where we can see each other's work?
@vstap Images will have a tag: NTMC and I'll do a monthly announcement. For Jan, if you have nothing new, then it will be 'pick your own personal technique' month so everyone can participate.
I would like to give this challenge a try too! I probably wont post every single day, as sometimes I feel a bit restricted when I follow month-long themes, but I am just starting year 2 of my project and would like to have a particular focus to keep in mind each month...great idea Krista :)
@blueberry1222 I'd be in, but I pretty much just have the two cameras and lenses, although I haven't use the zoom lens all winter, just too cold out. At least for the first month.
Excellent idea. I was going to 'fast' in January and put my camera away and then just use my phone for the month. It's new- lucky me, iphone 6. Need to learn how to use it!
Just the opposite of your out-of-focus blending is focus stacking, where you shoot a number of frames, gradually increasing the focus across the field you want and then combining all for the sharpest composite. Also typically a "macro" affair.
Hi Krista - I'd be up for this and it would keep me taking photos and posting even though I can't manage everyday at the moment. Could you keep me on the list. I'll have a think about techniques. Happy new year to you - I've got new optics for my lensbaby for xmas - I'm off to play with those for the first month!
Reading through the possible challenges above anything involving artificial lighting would be good for me, also any processing techniques involving using layers, but I'm up for any suggestions.
-Just the opposite of your out-of-focus blending is focus stacking, where you shoot a number of frames, gradually increasing the focus across the field you want and then combining all for the sharpest composite.
Loads of good ideas. I am easy. Maybe macro to familiarise with my new lens to start. I have downloaded GIMP today but do not understand it yet enough to even find the crop button so am not ready to layer yet, but if that is the choice I will have to go with h it!
(1) If you mean by 50mm shooting, the "standard" angle of view that people consider the human eye has, that would be a full-frame 50mm, somewhere between 32-35mm on an APS-C camera that I am sure many of us have rather than "full frame." And it is really not even accurate to claim that this is what the human eye "sees" at all, but enough of that. :) Rather it is classically what many of the old masters shot with, given the technology of 35mm cameras (the size of the frame, not the lens focal length, a point that confused me for many months when I was beginning to shoot) up through the middle of the 20th century. A "nifty 50" as the too-cute way some people refer to this.
(2) As for processing (Photoshop, GIMP) "layering" could (should?) be practiced for every adjustment made, not just for "special effects" and compositing. Sharpening, tone adjustment, color corrections, cloning, controlled blur, split toning to mention just a few, and then "controlled" and "adjusted" with opacity, blending modes, and "blend if..." options. So many more finer and more refined options than just a single image adjustment.
(3) I might add Black & White, processing not shooting. Not just "straight" conversions which many (most?) editors do rather blandly, but adjusting your own greyscale mixes, toning, sharpening, blurring, etc. There are some nifty "presets" available, e.g. Silver Efex from Nik, FilmPack from DxO, but even those can be made uniquely your own if applied on a layer and then "blended" to something else, some other treatment, below it. Endless possibilities.
(4) While full-fledged HDR can be fun and interesting, careful combinations of single frame ETTR and ETTL (Expose to the Right/Left) and then recovering highlights/shadows respectively during processing can be a much more useful and rewarding exercise. This can give you confidence with such things as Exposure Compensation and Spot Metering, all extremely useful and easily applied tools that many amateur photographers don't use, and perhaps don't realize exist. An overall excellent exercise in shooting, with a close eye on knowing how you are going to process the shot later. In the old film days, the old masters did this all the time. More of the "R" than the "L" (which we as digital photographers probably use much more, "expose for the highlights" as some say), but the general principle to integrate shooting with planned processing always applies.
Looking forward to following along behind your lead on this one in the new year.
@frankhymus I know that you are savvy with techniques, but I think that I grasped maybe 1/2 of your explanations.
1- So, when people speak of shooting 50mm, should they really be shooting 32-35mm?
2-I don't think that most people really want to get their hands dirty with layering for Every photo they they touch up. There is a lot of different ways to layer and reasons why, but I think that for people who have never layered before in Gimp or photoshop, having them learn just one layering technique would get them introduced to that tool.
3-Black and white post processing as you mentioned is an awesome suggestion. It is so getting added to the list.
4-Can I propose that you 'teach' the HDR technique? 'Cause as of right now, I read and reread your paragraph 4 and have no clue how all that translates into an HDR image.
Also, I love your other suggestion that you mentioned earlier in the post.
@jocasta@jocasta I admit I have never looked at those either. This 'club' won't be one where there will be any voters. Just a happy little club doing it's thing...More good ideas, thank you! We're getting quite the list going.
Also, I was thinking, each month we could propose one/two/and three ideas for those that already are good at something posted for that month they will have options. I think three options per month will be max. Or should there just be two??
1. If you have a full frame camera, e.g. Nikon D750, D610 or Canon 5Diii or 6D, then it's 50mm. If you have a "cropped sensor" (APS-C camera) Nikon D5300, D3300 or Canon Rebel or even 7Dii it's 32-33 (Canon has a 1.6x crop, Nikon 1.5x, but who's counting?). If you have a Micro Four Thirds camera (2x crop) e.g. Lumix GH4, it's 25mm. It's all about the "angle of view" that the sensor can provide, the smaller the linear dimensions of the sensor, the smaller (proportionally) is the focal length for the same angle. Remember you High School Geometry? ;)
2. Perhaps. But It just takes a few seconds to duplicate a layer and sharpen the top one and then call up the "blending options." If you do have Photoshop, or Elements, and you don't use layers, it's akin to "clapping with one hand."
3. B&W is fun. If people like books, one of the best on the subject, quite comprehensive, is The Complete Guide to Black & White Digital Photography, by Michael Freeman.
4. Sure. I'd be cribbing from folks who know a lot more than me, Scott Kelby, Mr. Photoshop, especially, but It's really quite simple and so very useful to have in your toolkit. With the right tools of course. Photoshop, DxO, GIMP, Lightroom, Elements, Aperture... A camera that shoots raw is best, but you can go some of the way with a jpeg SOOC for Camera Phone and P&S folks.
@callymazoo No worries! I'm already thinking that in Feb, we'll do a simple GIMP intro since it is free and we all have access to it, but until someone shows you the ropes, it just sits there unused. We'll use it. Every month probably.
@blueberry1222 I totally agree. I used to have PSE and used it for all the basics of improving a photo as Frank was suggesting but not for layering and special effects. It would be very helpful to be guided through it , giving time to put things into practice. Looking forward to it.
I am interested in this discussion, I have become a bit frustrated with my self and my camera, I find myself capturing things like a great light moment on the run with my phone
@blueberry1222 I like that there won't be finalists and voters. Great idea to have a couple of topics. Really hoping that NTMC helps me to find my mojo in 2015. I always enjoy your photography and love the community feeling of a group project.
@fullcircle Glad I might have been able to provide something to help you out. And please, ask me anything you care to. I might not know exactly, but I'll certainly give you my two cents worth. Good shooting in the New Year.
@blueberry12 Thank you for orchestrating this. I plan to work on learning the processing part of photography, recently buying the Lightroom and PS monthly bundle. More than that though I want to work on basic photography skills, like panning, low light, macro, night time shots and pretty much everything else mentioned here.
As @frankhymus pointed out, 50mm for my camera is a 25mm lens, I shoot with a micro four thirds camera. I only have two lenses presently a zoom and 17mm (34mm equivalent) but I'm adding a 45mm soon (equal to 90mm in full frame). I love the idea of using a particular lens a month. Bottom line for me is I really want to break out of the box Ive been in with photography and NTMC will help. Thanks again for pulling this together.
@slash You have a 14-42? A very versatile length for your Olympus. I know it might be expensive versus a 45mm prime, but a 40-150 zoom would greatly extend your options. There are some excellent ones on the market.
@jocasta Thanx, Jocasta. Your 'Fish in the Orange Rind' photo really made me want to learn Photoshop, that picture was killer. And I love that you learned how to actually create wet plate photography.
@frankhymus I apologize for cluttering up the thread here, I thought you meant the kit lens but you're referring too the Olympus Pro aren't you. Would NEVER have returned it! :-)
Note: This is a basic outline!
What I'll offer is three levels: Basic, intermediate, and Advanced each month. That way, if the technique is brand new to someone, they can start easy and work their way up throughout the month. We'll use the thread as a 'Forum' and have everyone chit chat about how to accomplish the technique if they have questions. Sound doable?
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, mid Jan, I'll post a 'get familiar with Gimp' tutorial. I thought about Gimp vs. Photoshop, and decided to go with Gimp since everyone has access to Gimp as opposed to PS.
Naturally, those that have PS can use that.
@blueberry1222 Wow what a great idea for a project! I'm going to play along too as I'm all for trying out new stuff and it wll be good to focus ( no pun intended ) on different techniques.
@callymazoo Just post as usual. At any time, just type in http://365project.org/tags/ntmc and see whose posting images and you can always look at others photos that way.
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And I would like to work with my DOF. And work to perfecting it, also another suggestion, night photography, or Low key??
As for the other months, I would love to master HDR, get better with my macro lens, and also take my lensbaby, among other things. What a great idea! Thank you, Krista!
Did you download the sample images from the linked article? Having them would make following the example easier.
I never try any flower macro and love the link you posted. Count me in, please.
-Tilt shift, long exposure, panning.
- A month with 50mm
-master HDR
- get better with my macro lens, and also take my lensbaby
- tilt-shift effect
- panning (mentioned twice)
- HD pictures (taken separately then put together in PS or other software)
- night picture especially of stars & milky way (mentioned twice)
- work with my DOF
- Low key
-shift focus/layer blending
Please keep posting and please mention if your keen on any of the above mentioned ideas that way we know there's strong interest in it.
- Landscape (fall?)
- Cityscape (I find urban areas challenging)
- Low light
- Natural Light
- Flash/studio light
- Macro
- HDR
Can't wait to join-in & improve my photography!
-Tilt shift, long exposure, panning.
- A month with 50mm
-master HDR (mentioned twice)
- get better with my macro lens, and also take my lensbaby
- tilt-shift effect
- panning (mentioned twice)
- HD pictures (taken separately then put together in PS or other software)
- night picture especially of stars & milky way (mentioned twice)
- work with my DOF
- Low key
-shift focus/layer blending (mentioned three times)
- Landscape (fall?)
- Cityscape (I find urban areas challenging)
- Low light
- Natural Light
- Flash/studio light/ artificial lighting (mentioned twice)
--macro lens (mentioned four times)
-Just the opposite of your out-of-focus blending is focus stacking, where you shoot a number of frames, gradually increasing the focus across the field you want and then combining all for the sharpest composite.
-layering (mentioned three times)
@yaorenliu @srhinas @ukandie1 @ksmale @froggie0628 @irisn @panthora @fotoblah @jocasta @overalvandaan @soseema @slash @amandaeliz @vstap @lauramalone82 @nanderson @zosimasy @juliedduncan @dmdfday @lleo @callymazoo @frankhymus @rachelwithey
(1) If you mean by 50mm shooting, the "standard" angle of view that people consider the human eye has, that would be a full-frame 50mm, somewhere between 32-35mm on an APS-C camera that I am sure many of us have rather than "full frame." And it is really not even accurate to claim that this is what the human eye "sees" at all, but enough of that. :) Rather it is classically what many of the old masters shot with, given the technology of 35mm cameras (the size of the frame, not the lens focal length, a point that confused me for many months when I was beginning to shoot) up through the middle of the 20th century. A "nifty 50" as the too-cute way some people refer to this.
(2) As for processing (Photoshop, GIMP) "layering" could (should?) be practiced for every adjustment made, not just for "special effects" and compositing. Sharpening, tone adjustment, color corrections, cloning, controlled blur, split toning to mention just a few, and then "controlled" and "adjusted" with opacity, blending modes, and "blend if..." options. So many more finer and more refined options than just a single image adjustment.
(3) I might add Black & White, processing not shooting. Not just "straight" conversions which many (most?) editors do rather blandly, but adjusting your own greyscale mixes, toning, sharpening, blurring, etc. There are some nifty "presets" available, e.g. Silver Efex from Nik, FilmPack from DxO, but even those can be made uniquely your own if applied on a layer and then "blended" to something else, some other treatment, below it. Endless possibilities.
(4) While full-fledged HDR can be fun and interesting, careful combinations of single frame ETTR and ETTL (Expose to the Right/Left) and then recovering highlights/shadows respectively during processing can be a much more useful and rewarding exercise. This can give you confidence with such things as Exposure Compensation and Spot Metering, all extremely useful and easily applied tools that many amateur photographers don't use, and perhaps don't realize exist. An overall excellent exercise in shooting, with a close eye on knowing how you are going to process the shot later. In the old film days, the old masters did this all the time. More of the "R" than the "L" (which we as digital photographers probably use much more, "expose for the highlights" as some say), but the general principle to integrate shooting with planned processing always applies.
Looking forward to following along behind your lead on this one in the new year.
I'd be happy to do pretty much any of those and really pleased that you started this thread.
Here's a few I like the sound of..
silhouettes
minimalism
intentional camera movement
flash
slow sync flash
rim lighting
motion blur
high key
macro
and anything that makes me work on Photoshop skills
Much looking forward to NTMC
Happy New Year, Krista
1- So, when people speak of shooting 50mm, should they really be shooting 32-35mm?
2-I don't think that most people really want to get their hands dirty with layering for Every photo they they touch up. There is a lot of different ways to layer and reasons why, but I think that for people who have never layered before in Gimp or photoshop, having them learn just one layering technique would get them introduced to that tool.
3-Black and white post processing as you mentioned is an awesome suggestion. It is so getting added to the list.
4-Can I propose that you 'teach' the HDR technique? 'Cause as of right now, I read and reread your paragraph 4 and have no clue how all that translates into an HDR image.
Also, I love your other suggestion that you mentioned earlier in the post.
Also, I was thinking, each month we could propose one/two/and three ideas for those that already are good at something posted for that month they will have options. I think three options per month will be max. Or should there just be two??
2. Perhaps. But It just takes a few seconds to duplicate a layer and sharpen the top one and then call up the "blending options." If you do have Photoshop, or Elements, and you don't use layers, it's akin to "clapping with one hand."
3. B&W is fun. If people like books, one of the best on the subject, quite comprehensive, is The Complete Guide to Black & White Digital Photography, by Michael Freeman.
4. Sure. I'd be cribbing from folks who know a lot more than me, Scott Kelby, Mr. Photoshop, especially, but It's really quite simple and so very useful to have in your toolkit. With the right tools of course. Photoshop, DxO, GIMP, Lightroom, Elements, Aperture... A camera that shoots raw is best, but you can go some of the way with a jpeg SOOC for Camera Phone and P&S folks.
As @frankhymus pointed out, 50mm for my camera is a 25mm lens, I shoot with a micro four thirds camera. I only have two lenses presently a zoom and 17mm (34mm equivalent) but I'm adding a 45mm soon (equal to 90mm in full frame). I love the idea of using a particular lens a month. Bottom line for me is I really want to break out of the box Ive been in with photography and NTMC will help. Thanks again for pulling this together.
So far, the condensed list is as follows:
Jan- New/old camera/lens or technique of your choice.
Feb- Panning
Mar - HDR
Apr- Macro
May- Abstract (ie, lensbaby, post processing, art techniques)
Jun- Landscape / Cityscape
July- Lighting (natural light, high key, studio light)
Aug - ICM (motion blur, moving the camera which is different from panning)
Sep- Flash (night shots, low light, low key, milky way shots)
Oct- B&W (silhouettes)
Nov- Layering
Dec- Focus (shift, 50mm, focus stacking)
Note: This is a basic outline!
What I'll offer is three levels: Basic, intermediate, and Advanced each month. That way, if the technique is brand new to someone, they can start easy and work their way up throughout the month. We'll use the thread as a 'Forum' and have everyone chit chat about how to accomplish the technique if they have questions. Sound doable?
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, mid Jan, I'll post a 'get familiar with Gimp' tutorial. I thought about Gimp vs. Photoshop, and decided to go with Gimp since everyone has access to Gimp as opposed to PS.
Naturally, those that have PS can use that.