Available also in Video: Improve Photography Podcast Episode 162

Questions of the Week:

Are there any Linux/Ubuntu photographers out there? Any good resources/tutorials for Darktable (edit) or Rawtherapee?

Kathy Page – How do I know what settings to choose when using a manual flash?

Anthony Fuccella – Best audio options for recording an interview at a swim meet?

Jim: Is the DJI Phantom a suitable pro photography tool?

Jim hasn’t loved the image quality from the DJI phantom at all and is considering returning it and getting the DJI Inspire 1 instead.  

Midroll: Zenfolio.  Start a free trial today with no credit card required. When you decide to sign up for Zenfolio, make sure to use the offer code IMPROVE to get 30% off (your subscription), and to show your support for our podcast! Thanks Zenfolio for your support! Zenfolio. Voted #1 by Photographers like me for 3 years in a row.

Jeff: Hobbyist/beginner tip: Faking a studio

Recently heard feedback on the Improve Photography Facebook group that the listeners want to hear a lot more perspective from a hobbyist/beginner that doesn’t have all the fancy gear.

Recently had a shoot go south.  Girls hired me to shoot their sweethearts dance group.  Apparently the “in” thing to do now here in Utah.  Supposed to meet at a lake here an hour before sunset, girls weren’t ready until after sunset.  Really cold.  Had to improvise.

Gear needed (not pro gear, just enough)

Camera

1,2, or 3 off camera flashes (depending on the size of the group).  YN560-III ($65) are great.  Get a little fancier, saves time so you don’t have to walk over to flashes, get the YN560-TX ($40)

silver umbrella ($10-$15 a piece)

light stands ($30 for 2)

flash & umbrella holder for top of light stand ($5 a piece)

white background – muslin ($40)

Can do more of course, but total cost: $345 (pays for itself after 1 or 2 shoots)

Put the two silver umbrellas with the flashes on both sides of the group, 1 flash in back of the group pointing at the white background.  I had all the flashes at full power.  Pose the people take the shot.

Import the photos in Lightroom and make all the adjustments you want to the people, don’t worry about the background

Command-E/Ctrl-E to take the photo over to Ps

Duplicate the background so you can get back to the original if needed

Do spot healing on skin

Use the quick selection to to select the person off of the background – very easy to do if the flash in the back of the group highlights the edges of the person

Use refine edge with the quick selection tool around the hair or anywhere an edge looks too sharp.