Video

November 19, 2011 by PhotoKen

Florabella Photoshop Actions

I have looked at a lot of Photoshop Actions – you can get thousands of them. A lot of collections have a few gems but it’s a case of wading through hundreds to find them. I was happy to come across Florabella Collection Actions sets – finally a a bunch of useful actions with a focus on quality not quantity.

The Florabella Collection has some of the most amazing sets of Actions for Photoshop (CS2 – CS6) or Photoshop Elements (6-10) that I have come across. You could spend hours of fun trying out the different presets. That’s before going onto the powerful ‘tweaking’ options.

I recommend:

Classic Workflow + Hazy Skies
LUXE

The Classic Workflow has Classic Film which will be one of your most used action (I find I start with that one first to see if it’s a good starting point then add tones and other effects on top). You may prefer LUXE II, but I found I liked the LUXE original collection better.

Click here to visit Florabella Collection

If you don’t have Photoshop (Mac version or PC version) you can get Photoshop Elements for a really reasonable price right now – click here.

Standard

November 10, 2011 by PhotoKen

Cokin Z-Pro Graduated Neutral Density Kit

This Cokin Z-Pro Filter kit is finally available at B&H Photo Video.

I’ve been waiting for ages – Cokin had a worldwide shortage for a while.

These filters are great for Sunsets and other Landscape Photography where the sky is much brighter that the foreground or land.

I usually recommend a Schneider Grad Neutral Density(502) Filter as I like the quality and the compactness of a round filter.

But the Cokin system is great for 3 reasons:

If you have a bunch of lenses with different Filter Diameters (you can just get inexpensive holders or adapters for each lens)
You can move the Graduation line up and down a bit (shift the Filter in the holder) to line it up with your scene better.
You can stack combinations of Filters in the holder (there is a good chance of Vignetting if you screw on more than a couple of Circular Filters)

I’m glad they finally have more stock. An excellent addition to your Landscape kit.

Video

November 6, 2011 by PhotoKen

50mm HD Video Goodness

You don’t need to be intimidated by HD Video using your DSLR Camera.

This short video above was taken using a humble, inexpensive 50mm f/1.8 Lens on a Canon 60D to get great Video. No fancy, Expensive Follow Focus Rig was used – this was all Hand Held. This was filmed with available light only. With the right Settings and a few tips you can get great Video using your DSLR.

These Prime Lenses are great for indoor conditions with low light. Definitely worth adding to your kit if you don’t have one. You can go for more expensive f/1.4 lenses for a little more light and quality – these are my recommendations:

Low-end Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens or Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens.
Mid-Range Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens or Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens
Wider View – For excellent Indoor Shots with a Wider View I would recommend the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM II Wide Angle Lens (equivalent to around 38mm on Crop Sensor cameras) or Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S RF SWM Prime Wide-Angle Nikkor Lens but these are REALLY expensive so if you don’t want to ‘break the bank’ go with the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens (equivalent to around 45mm on Crop Sensor cameras) or Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens (this one doesn’t let in as much light as the Canon but is reasonably priced).

In my EASYDSLR course I have a Module on HD Video using DSLR cameras (over an Hour of Training) where I go through the basics, what settings to use and some filming tips.

So get out there and get some great Video – you Don’t need a Hollywood budget!

Video

October 26, 2011 by PhotoKen

HDR Imaging Sample Video from EASYDSLR Course

This Sample is from the HDR (High Dynamic Range) Imaging Video available to Gold Members at EASYDSLR Digital Photography Course.

Sign up at EASYDSLR.com for more information about the course and some photography tips that will help improve your photos even if you are using an iPhone! The Videos will also tell you a bit about me and a lot about the course.

If you have bought a DSLR (or thinking about it) you should really consider my course – it will give you the basics in using your DSLR camera to more advanced scenarios like HDRI to create amazing photos.

A DSLR camera is not cheap – you owe it to yourself to make the most of it’s potential and really take your photography to the next level. You can start your journey to stunning photos now at EASYDSLR.com.

P.S. I have a special Coupon for EASYDSLR Members to get a discount off Photomatix Pro (HDRI Software).