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I know a lot of photographers that use HDR processing in their photography and I think that HDR software is adding a new layer to professional photography. It is all a matter of personal taste and the right situations. I find that some HDR images look awful and way over processed. I am a fan of the more natural feel HDR processing in the right situations with the right pictures. I started experimenting a little with HDR photography a little while ago and have learned through online tutorials how to create effects that I like. One of the most common and popular software choices for HDR blending is Photomatix, this software is quite powerful, it can enhance images or totally ruin them, treat with care. I recently came across a video tutorial on HDR by Trey Ratcliff that I thought beginners would find interesting and informative. Trey runs a photoblog called stuck in customs and features a lot of awesome travel shots, many of which are HDR processed, I am a traveler at heart and am naturally drawn to travel photography, have a look at Trey’s portfolio for some travel inspiration!
From the sounds of things, the new Nikon D4 is going to be a great camera. Improved ISO and noise performance on the already world famous D3s, improved focusing in low light conditions. Higher MP count, up to 16 now. A revolutionary new card slot, the XQD which is said to have read/write speeds of up to 1gb/sec. 1080 compressed video recording at 30fps is ok, but I still think if you want to go for video then better try for the RED Scarlet. If you are focusing on stills then the Nikon is a good bet. Nikon D4 is said to retail at about $6000 in the USA which usually relates to about $8500 in South Africa. Have a look at the promo video below to get a bigger picture.
Every one of us gains knowledge and inspiration from various sources. As photographers we tend to identify and appreciate the work of other photographers, we are visual people, it is in our nature to be attracted and inspired by certain images. I have a love of travel and a keen interest in portraiture and the telling of tales through faces and settings. This does not really reflect in my stock photography, at Microstockhelper we shoot what we perceive to be in demand in the stock photography market and what we feel will be best for the business. On a personal level I am drawn to and inspired by the work of a few photographers, among them are Steve McCurray, Annie Leibowitz and Joey L.
I first came across Joey’s work when I watched a video about his trip to Indonesia and photographing the Mentawi Tribe. At the time I was living in Indonesia (now in Cape Town) and just starting to develop an interest in
Living with a full-time stock photographer is something quite different from ‘regular’ life. Instead of having a routine of waking up, going to work, fulfilling humdrum daily tasks, heading to the gym/leisure activities and back home again, we lead a lifestyle that is centered around the very thing we do here at Microstockhelper – that is microstock photography. There is no such thing as routine around here, our days vary with the organising, execution and follow up of photoshoots for uploads on to the various microstock agencies.
Although there is a lack of daily routine, there is a workflow that we do subscribe to and I will share it with you. Today’s edition will be Part 1 of a 5 part series describing the typical workflow of a Microstockhelper shoot from pre-conception to post upload. I think this information would be useful to those who are new to stock photography and for those willing to take stock photography one step further than the occasional travel picture from a weekend away. Organising photoshoots will not be as daunting as one would imagine as long as you have your bases covered.
A simple and easy way to make your images stand out is to give your models a clean and fresh looking smile. Not everyone has perfectly white teeth, but there is a way to help them look more appealing. This really helps with stock photography as buyers generally are going to be drawn to the images with the cleanest smiles. In this video I will show you a simple technique for whitening teeth quickly and easily. If you are interested in selling photos online, then check out my microstock agencies page for information on how to get started.
