Shoot-along Tutorials - Topics

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm going to start a series of "Shoot-along Tutorials". These tutorials will feature an initial thread describing the subject to be learned. It'll included my explanation and will hopefully attract other explanations and viewpoints from others on the board. Users will be encouraged to try apply the subject of the lesson and to post the results of their trial for the positive and constructive feedback of others.

For example, we might have a thread on Second Curtain Sync. The thread would have an explanation on what that means and how to do it with various cameras. Readers could then experiment on their own and post their results.

Sound like a plan? Suggestions for improvements to the idea? Suggestions for topics?

Here are a few topics that come to mind right away:

1) Fill-in Flash
2) Exposure Compensation
3) Second Curtain Sync
4) Flash Exposure Compensation
5) Panning
6) Using the Histogram
7) Zoom vs Move - Managing perspective
8) Mirror Lockup
9) Long exposures
10) HDR
11) Sharpening
12) Rule-of-Thirds
13) Hyperfocal distance
14) Color correction
15) Metering and manual exposure

 

[KimAshton]

Cool look forward to reading.

 

[DVC Jen]

Sounds fantastic!

 

[jann1033]

sounds great to me! just to be difficult here's a question...i am assuming we are supposed to post something related taken at that time rather than just post a photo from the past? ie an assignment type deal?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

sounds great to me! just to be difficult here's a question...i am assuming we are supposed to post something related taken at that time rather than just post a photo from the past? ie an assignment type deal?

Well, the point of this is to learn, so I assume most posts would be in the form current results like an assignment. However, if the topic is something for which you have a great example, that would also be very welcome.

I guess there will be three types of posts in the threads - those explaining the subject (in which case old examples would be great), those from people trying to use what they learned, and those providing positive, constructive feedback about those posts.

 

[Amy]

Sounds great, Mark! I'm looking forward to learning a little bit more (esp. histograms - they scare me ), including how to do some of these things on my Canon S3 IS, and which ones can't be done unless you've got a digital SLR (like mirror lockup).

Oooh, make sure to include a tutorial on depth of field.

 

[aprince&princess]

I would be interested in this also. Just received Canon rebel xti for Christmas and would love to get great pictures with it.

 

[LMarge]

Count me in!! I need to learn my new XTi as well, so I can justify the $$$ for a faster zoom lens!!

 

[orchjoe]

Sounds like a good plan

 

[Bugdozer]

Sounds Awesome!!
I have a Sony Alpha and have no idea what I am doing! I want to learn count me in!

Bug

 

[cc1075]

I'm lurking and can't wait - - - - - this time I promise I will put the battery in the camera!!!

Still learning!!

 

[hjd0411]

Sounds great, Mark! I'm looking forward to learning a little bit more (esp. histograms - they scare me ), including how to do some of these things on my Canon S3 IS, and which ones can't be done unless you've got a digital SLR (like mirror lockup).

Oooh, make sure to include a tutorial on depth of field.

I'm with you Amy - I need to learn more of what is on my S3is!

Thanks Mark - this will be really helpful, I'm sure.

Heather

 

[alan]

Sounds like a great idea, Mark, and very generous of you to offer to "host" it - thank you.

Are you suggesting the list you gave as an ordered list? If so, I might suggest moving things around a little - for example, I'd put rule-of-thirds much higher than, say, second curtain sync.

Given that much of the target market is on non-SLRs it might also be worth adding what I think is called slow sync. I'd also like to add shutter drag and my new favourite - geotagging - to the list

regards,
/alan

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

Another new XTi owner here. I take a lot of good pictures...would like to take great pictures. Thanks Mark!

 

[hegs65]

Thanks for offering to do this Mark! I can't wait! Judging from the list I have alot to learn.

 

[LMarge]

When do we start?! I want to be sure my house is reasonably clean before I truly let it go to pot while I'm playing!!!

 

[oogieboogieman]

I'm ready. New E-volt in hand. I just bought "Understanding Exposure" on Saturday and it's interesting. Wow I've got a lot to learn! It will be fun! Thanks.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

When do we start?! I want to be sure my house is reasonably clean before I truly let it go to pot while I'm playing!!!

I'll try to think of lessons that require shots inside of people's homes.

 

[LMarge]

Right now my foyer and dining room looks like the inside of a badly arranged Christmas store!!! Maybe a "before and after" series to start!!!

 

[EasyGoing*]

This should be fun I just got the Olympus E-volt 510 so I really need this. Going from a point and shoot to a DSLR is kind of challenging but has been very fun so far. Thanks for thinking of this. Iam sure this will help me and I hope I can help others.