My PhotoWeek 2013: Mar 3 - Mar 9, 2013

1) Madamme Spooky Retouch, Part 3 - Glyn Dewis
2) HDR in Lightroom using LR/Enfuse plugin - Serge Ramelli
3) Cheap Camera Challenge - Vincent Laforet
4) Photography Tips - Joe McNally
5) Three Ways to Get Sharper Close-Ups - Digital Photography School

1) Madamme Spooky Retouch, Part 3   (back to top)

The final installment of Glyn Dewis' retouching show-and-tell

 

2) HDR in Lightroom using LR/Enfuse plugin - Serge Ramelli   (back to top)

Here's a neat HDR plugin that will have the pricier plugins make a run for their money. Check out LR/Enfuse at the Photgrapher's Toolbox site. Then watch this Youtube video where Serge explains how to use it. What's even cooler about Photographer's Toolbox is the myriad of other plugins they have developed for Lightroom. However, not all of them are donateware. I'm definitely interested in their web publishing and web gallery plugins.

3) Cheap Camera Challenge - Vincent Laforet   (back to top)

Here's a fun challenge where a Pro Photographer is given a cheap camera. The video proves that it's not about the gear but how a person uses it. My main take away is how a pro photographer thinks and his display of patience in order to get the shot he sees in his mind's eye.

4) Photography Tips - Joe McNally   (back to top)

A short video interview of one of my heroes, Joe McNally. It's a little over two minutes but the nuggets of wisdom will last you a lifetime. Here are my take aways:
-Create a mental image of the entire shoot
- Don't be afraid of your imagination
- Be approachable
- Build rapport
- Be honest
- Be direct
- Deal with the humanity of the situation

5) Three Ways to Get Sharper Close-Ups - Digital Photography School   (back to top)

Excellent tips. My go-to aperture is f/8 when I do portraits. I should really test my lenses to find their sweet spots to increase my creative options. To summarize:

- Photograph subject in front of contrasting background
- Use the sweet spot of your lens
- Position camera parallel to subject

If you have time, please read the entire article.