FAQ

I don’t get asked questions all that often, but I thought I’d field a bunch of questions that I have been asked a handful of times, in case people were curious.

How did you learn to use photoshop / how did you process that photo?

I slowly learned to use Adobe Photoshop through patience, internet tutorials and practice. My suggestions would be:

  • Learn how to use adjustment layers: especially curves and colour balance
  • Use different blending modes, like “Screen” or “Overlay”
  • Learn how to mask selectively to play with different parts of your image

I’d recommend Adobe Lightroom for the less adventurous. It is fantastic for picking favourite photos, quick colour changes, batch processing and cataloguing. Photoshop is good for more detailed work; Lightroom saves a lot of time.

How did you learn photography?

In the weeks before the purchase of my DSLR, I tried to learn it on my own using the internet. However, I felt that my knowledge was quite jumbled and fragmented. Once I had the camera, I did a beginners workshop and it really helped to bring together the internet readings I had done and logically structure my understanding of the foundations. The internet is a wonderful source of information once you’ve figured out a system for filing information away in your brain.

Adam helped me a lot when I was starting out, I would discuss things I didn’t understand with him and debate new equipment purchases (I still do!). Having a mentor or even just someone to bounce ideas off is invaluable.

In terms of off-camera lighting, I learned about it through looking at strobist posts and reading Light: Science and Magic (as suggested by David Hobby). I found it a great introduction to lighting. I still have a lot to learn really, there’s a lot I have read about that I haven’t had the chance to try yet!

What camera / lenses / flashes do you use?

These were mostly purchased when I was working full-time. Now I am studying, the acquisition of new photography gear is somewhat less feasible…

Camera: Canon 600D, Canon 400D
Lenses: Canon 24mm f/1.4 L, Canon 35mm f/1.4 L, Canon 50mm f/1.8, Canon 85mm f/1.8, Zuiko 21mm f/3.5
Flashes: Canon 580EX II, Canon 550EX and Vivitar 285HV
Triggers: Elinchrom Skyports

To attach the triggers to my flash, I have bought cables online from Flash Zebra. I’ve found this seller to be friendly and the products to be good quality.

Any more questions?

Cet in touch with me through the Contact page :)