matthewkane

<p>Thanks guys... any more comments from anyone? I was reading Dan Heller's page about model releases last night, and he says that you don't really need releases for books or art purposes or anything other than implying someone is advocating a product. Or if it's going to be used in an advert. But he says publishers still ask for them anyways sometimes. So I'm kinda torn about this, but it appears my photos will stay have some monetary value aside from just personal use even without releases... I can submit them to editorials or they can be put into a book. However I guess the issue with books is that 'distribution' is kind of a grey area. How large the distribution is, determines many things related to releases. </p>

<p>Hello to everyone,<br>

What is the standard operating procedure of a traveling photographer that may want to use his pics for commercial use? I realize this is a very complicated issue. I have read some stuff online about releases but it primarily seems only to address shooting domestically. I am soon to be going to South America in a couple of weeks. Vamos a Ecuador y Peru. My question is do I need a model release signed by people I take portraits of if I ever intend on using these commercially? What about property releases? I'm not sure yet if I will ever use them commercially, but perhaps I would eventually like to make a book or something? Or approach publishers with a portfolio for one.</p>

<p>Some of the people I will come in contact with will speak Quecha or some other obscure indigenous language... As I'm sure I can find or concoct a release in spanish (I hope)... I'm not so sure that I can get one in Quecha. I'm not that familiar with how publishers work. I just want to leave the door open to be able to use these in the future for publishing or some other uses. </p>

<p>Thanks for reading my post. Appreciate the help!</p>

<p> </p>

Thank you all for the suggestions, these are very helpful indeed!

Great responses and ideas! Thank you. I will certainly employ them. I think I will only bring two lenses.

Yeah I'm slightly concerned about bag slashers. I understand there are these chain/thin cable locks that go around your pack and make it

almost impossible to pull anything through. Unless they had wire cutters, (which I doubt).

The only thing is I wonder if putting a chain mail around your bag would make you more of a target, just because thieves would assume

that you had something very nice to protect?

Hello everyone,

Anyone been to Ecuador and Peru with a load of gear?

I am planning a trip to these two countries for 2 months and perhaps Bolivia for an additional week.

I will be backpacking and am trying to keep the load light if I can.

However I realize that's easier said than done. I don't want to be charged extra for bags/weight issues. But I want to cover a decent

range and have some options too. So I'm torn. I have a canon 40d, a 50mm 1.4, an 85mm 1.8, and a 70-200mm IS. I am looking to

purchase two other lenses for the trip.

 

I was thinking the 10-22mm, and perhaps a 24-105mmL. I am focused primarily on people photography and architecture, not so much

landscapes and animals. Out of the lenses I already have and those two I plan to buy which would you bring? Anything I'm missing or

any different recommendations?

 

Along with filters, batteries, small tripod, and other essentials... The issue for me is carrying this stuff. I've never traveled abroad for this

length of time with gear before. I'm concerned with safety issues, keeping the gear with me, theft, etc... as well obviously. I know

insurance is important but that still won't help me take pictures while I'm there if it's taken. What is the standard operating procedure for

travel photographers backpacking? I will be staying in some hostels from time to time and I'm not really excited about leaving my gear in

the room while I'm away. I know there are lockers some places for your pack... and I suppose sometimes those can be trusted with your

gear when locked. I'm just wondering how others handle this?

Do you carry your gear almost everywhere you go?

 

Clearly carrying gear can make you a target in larger cities and dicey areas any tips

on this aspect?

 

Lastly what about camera bags? I loathe the idea of carrying a heavy backpack and a seperate camera bag.

Do you just get the smallest bag you can and try to fit it into the larger pack? Or? Bring a seperate pelican case? Suggestions please.

 

Any recommendations about ways to lighten the burden physically and mentally (preferably speaking from experience) is appreciated!

 

Thanks a million in advance,

Matt

Hello,

I have a 600ws white lightning monolight and I am thinking about getting a pocketwizard set for

another off camera flash (Vivitar 285hv)... Can I fire the strobe through a pc cord plugged into my

camera and the pocketwizard on the hot shoe set up with an off camera flash at the same time? I have

never done this, if I had the flash and pw's already I would just try it. I'm also wondering if you think

this set up would suffice for groups of 20 people? With the strobe as the key and the flash as the fill?

Thanks! Any info appreciated.

Thanks for that!

Hello thanks for looking...

I am trying to make a split tone image and am following directions from a book. So I desaturated the

image first then flattened the image. I made an adjustment layer and colorized it to say a reddish

brown. Then I made another new adjustment layer above that and colorized that to a teal or blue. My

issue is the book says to create a "black layer mask" on another hue/saturation layer copy above those

two... That way I can "PAINT" back what I like with "WHITE"... and keep some highlights or whatever.

Well the book is very vague all of the sudden, what do I use to "PAINT" back something and how to I get

that "WHITE"? I tried the paint brush, and eraser, and history tool to no avail. I see little white streaks on

the black layer mask, but nothing appears to be changing on the image. What's going on? What am I

missing here? Cheers.

Francis -

You may want to look into the quantum 4i radio units. They are considerably less

expensive than the pocket wizards. They are a bit dated and bulky, but I hear they work

rather well. You just have to be sure to get the same CHANNEL receivers and transmitters.

I have seen some used units on bhphoto.com and adorama in the past. They can be less

than $200. They appear extremely reliable with no sight limitations.

<p>

 

I am wondering the same thing... can I fire a nikon flash using pocket wizards with a canon

camera? As long as it's not on my camera's hot shoe? I don't see why not, but I wanted to

ask anyways... thanks.

Thanks I will try these things mentioned here.

Great photo above, btw. I'm not sure they are using makeup for these engagement shots

though either...

What about select>color range? Do you think that is being used as an adjustment? The

reason I'm skeptical to believe it's just lighting and makeup is because a lot of these are

wedding photos are natural light or just on camera flash they are taken outdoors and

such. If you say it's retouching, (which I'm sure it is) any tips on the technique used? If you

look at the engagement section of the second link you will see the color rendition and skin

tones I am talking about. These are shot under any number of situtations. It's almost like

they enhance all the colors and the contrast apart from the skin tones and are adjusting

those seperately...? I'm unsure.

I am just wondering what techniques are being employed with the color photos of these photographers.

The skin tones seem to be perfect and the pictures have a certain punch to them. Other than initial

good exposures and talented photography... what are they doing post process wise that is giving them

this (PUNCH). Their colors look great and seem very accurate. I have many photos I've taken with nice

exposures, in which I've added contrast, made curve adjustments, and saturation in photoshop, I shoot

in raw and adjust with camera raw, but my pics fail to live up to the vibrant appearance of these. What

am I missing? Is this a white balance technique? Any suggestions for me on how to learn more about

color? Any certain book? Tips?

Please have a look - <p><a href="http://www.morganlynnphotography.com">Here</a> <p>

<a href="http://www.jennawalkerphotography.com">And Here</a><p>

Thanks!

I have never submitted images to a mag for sale... how should I go about doing that? Put

the images online low res with a watermark and ask them to have a look at the gallery?

Indeed, you are spot on. Thank you. Any other comments from anyone?

Hello everyone,

 

I was recently asked by an event coordinator to shoot a hot rod show last weekend. It was a small event

in Colorado Springs. There were bands, a famous pin up model, and cars. Coincidentally I was already

planning on attending just for fun and shooting around anyways. I initially thought this was going to be

a 'paid' gig after he contacted me. So I asked him what he was planning on using the photos for, but he

didn't really specify anything. After talking with him further he mentioned "we really aren't hiring

anyone... but if you want to come and shoot please feel free to do so". I was under the impression that

he just wanted someone to come and cover it and he was hoping they would be seen somewhere.

Perhaps it would help promote the event for next year. He had said that we could submit them to hot

rod magazines afterwards. He said that it would help "get the word out" and it would be good for my

photo business and his event. I agreed. So then I shoot the event, end up talking with a lot of people,

get some great images, and am well received.

 

A few days later I get an email from him thanking me for coming out, etc. But now he mentions that he

wants me to send him a cd of my work so that he can use it on his website. He said that his camera

failed at an inopportune time during the event and he would like to use some of mine. He never

mentioned that originally, nor did I agree to that. I just agreed to be in attendance and shooting.

However he's a nice guy and I think he's just assuming that by buddying up to me, I am going to give

him everything I came up with.

 

So this misunderstanding is where my problem lies. I don't want to burn any bridges with him, what

should I do? I like shooting these events and could use the exposure... but I also need some money. I

am torn on what to do? So obviously I know I need to communicate with him... but what would you do

in this situation? I probably shot 400 images. Should I just try and make the money from selling the

images to the magazine and accept the PR from posting my images on his website? Should I charge him

too? Help! Breathe some sanity into this for me.

Thanks a million*

When shooting with one light from above is it best to stand directly below it? I'm thinking I

could use a tripod and then a cable release or timer. I don't have an 85mm, but I have a

50mm 1.4. I want to avoid flare to. I find it hard to get the DOF correct a lot of the time

with 1.2-1.8 as the slightest movement can alter it. Any suggestions?

<a href="http://www.dailysnap.com/2006/1230.shtml">Another example</a>

How is this so tack sharp?

What do you think was done to light this shot? Thanks

<a href="http://www.dailysnap.com/2006/1230.shtml">Here it is</a>

Hello,

I have noticed some photographers seem to have much sharper images on the web than most others.

For example please look at the photos on this site <a href="http://www.symobius.com/

lobby.html">Found here</a> Usually when saving pics for the web as a low res jpeg they end up not

quite so sharp afterwards. What sharpening techniques or steps do I need to take in photoshop to

achieve such sharp results on the web?

Thanks!

Hello,

How is this lighting so uniform and even? Do you think the background is lit or is it just eliminated in

photoshop? I have struggled with white background shots in the past, I thought I'd ask. Any detailed

explanations appreciated. Thanks!

 

<a href="http://www.symobius.com/duet/bj/6.jpg">Example One</a>

 

<a href="http://www.symobius.com/duet/bj/3.jpg">Ex Two</a>

 

<a href="http://www.symobius.com/singles/mel/2.jpg">Ex Three</a>

What kind of lighting techniques are you seeing? Large softbox right out of the cameras

and on top of the subject... from various angles?

Where can I learn advanced retouching techniques? Any books or website recommendations?

Suggestions?

 

What's going on with the eyes and the skin of these subjects in these particular photos?

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photos/isaac%20madera"> Examples</a>

Thanks everyone. I knew it sounded bizarre, I had just never encountered this.

Hello everyone,

I recently have been in touch with a man from italy that is wanting to me photograph his wedding here

in a few weeks. (Seems very last minute) however I am available. I have been in correspondence with

him for roughly two weeks answering questions and the like. He seems very interested in my work and

wants to book me. Well here's where it get's kind of strange. He says his girlfriend is in africa shopping

and will be in the states next week. He is wanting to send me traveler's checks for the amount of $4000

USD. Some of which I will use for my retainer fee, the rest he wants me to send to his girlfriend in

africa. He says he can't do so because he is in italy at this time.

 

This is the verbatim line from the email "Also my girlfriend is done with shopping and she's been

booked for a flight on saturday (nextweek). I'm sure there'll be an arrangement to meet up with you as

soon as she arrives Denver so you could talk more about the wedding photography and optional items

relating to that. But for now, i'll be sending some checks to you of about 4000$ from which you'll

deduct 1000US$ which is the retainer for you to be sure you're our photographer. After which you can

send the rest of the funds to my wife's travel agent in Nigeria for her airflight to the states on saturday.

I know you might be wondering why i couldn't just send her the money directly instead of getting you

involved in this, well it's just that i can't do much here because i am in italy and all i got is american

express gift checks which i can't have cashed here because they're legal tender only in the US and

possessions and i bought them in the states myself because i didnt want to take so much funds with

me on the plane for security reasons. Please let me know if i can trust you to do this little favour for me,

Okay. I hope you're having a nice time. Thanks and God bless."

 

He isn't asking me for money. He is trying to send me checks though, and then have me send them

elsewhere. Thoughts on this please! He has booked his wedding at the Donald Seawell Ballroom here

which is one of the nicest venues in Denver. I want to believe this is legit, however I'm a bit skeptical.

Has anyone ever heard of a scam related to this kind of thing? Shall I call the venue first and just double

check that he is indeed booked at the venue for that date?

Thanks in advance.