Learn Photography through YouTube

Don't underestimate the value of YouTube as an informational resource.  I'm sure quite a few, if not a lot, of people think of YouTube as cute or funny videos that go viral.  YouTube offers far more serious resources for virtually any topic, including photography.  Have a look around.  Just go to:

YouTube and do some searching.

HUGE TIP: Subscribe to folks on YouTube, if you like what they offer.  Getting an e-mail notification of a new video is an EASY way to keep up.

Also, a little reminder of mine for watching videos that I love:

Another Way to Watch YouTube

Having said all that, to help get you going, here are a few of my favorite YouTube subscriptions for photography:

Adorama

BH Photo Video

Anthony Morganti

HUGE TIP - Losing Files in Adobe Lightroom

This isn't necessarily for everyone, but for anyone using Adobe Lightroom.  One of the biggest problems I see people ask is about losing photos in Lightroom.

The solution, over 90% of the time, is simple.  Once the photos are in Lightroom, manage them completely in Lightroom from now on.  This includes moving, renaming, and deleting files.  Don't do this in say Windows Explorer or the Mac equivalent.  Lightroom doesn't store photos, it just points to them, so if you do stuff outside of Lightroom, Lightroom may no longer know what or where they are.

There are tools to recover missing files in Lightroom, but that can be a royal pain.  Just manage them correctly in the first place. :-)

Quick Tips for Anyone with a Camera - Photographing Cats or any Pet for that Matter

Found this great article on shooting cats, but applies to any pet or animal in my opinion.

The main thing is to have a camera ready.  The moment may only last a split second.  This article pretty applies to any camera, from a camera phone to a professional level dSLR.

Better Cat Photography

As usual, any questions, just fire away.
Click on the blog title (Brett's Photography Tidbits) at the top to see all my tips.  

My Daily Administration Workflow

As my photography progresses, the more my routine grows.  My routine longer consists solely of shooting and processing photos, but now includes business-like tasks.  This admin part was getting a bit over-whelming, so time to streamline it.

One general note:  I’m managing people I follow with more scrutiny.  I’m only following those with work that WOWs me.  I wish I could follow anyone that follows me, but keeping up with everyone I was following was just getting to be too much.

First, as I go through my workflow, I give the highest priority to any activity directed at me.  Then I address what I follow in general.

Now, my list:

• Take at least one photo a day.
• Check my e-mail, but, for now, only address critical e-mails.
• Post one photo a day, somewhere, be it on sales, sharing and/or contest sites.
• Address my sales sites, now that I’m dabbling in sales.
• Address my project site mainly for any work-in-progress.
• Check the contest site I typically participate in.
• Check my general photo sharing sites for comments and/or accolades.
• Address any remaining e-mails.
• Try to address one tutorial per day.  Always places to improve.

Following the above list helps assure I address the higher priority items.

Of course, weekends typically give me more time.  So, I try to get out on a shoot.  I’m using my contest as a means to focus my efforts, and make me think about shots.  Of course, I still take full-advantage of one-time or rare photo opportunities. :-)

OK Got a Great New Camera, but Same Old Photos

You bought a nice, new, high-end camera with all these fancy features.  But, your photos don't look any better than before.  The problem isn't the camera, it's your skill level.  Will buying the fanciest cookware make you a master chef?  Will buying the best art supplies make you a master artist?  Will getting the best race car make you win a race?  Of course not.  So why expect a fancy new camera to make you a master photographer.

You can have the best tools in the world, but to be a master, you still have to learn the craft.  Instead of worrying about fancier cameras, invest some time and maybe money into learning photography.  There are plenty of resources out there for the picking.  Heaven knows I've been through a zillion.  Find one that suits your learning style, and maybe try more than one.

One free resource I happened to find very helpful is:

PhotographyCourses.Biz

But check around.

As usual, any questions, just fire away.
Click on the blog title (Brett's Photography Tidbits) at the top to see all my tips. 

My Photography Shooting and Processing Workflow

I've seen many places online talking about workflows for taking and processing photos.  I decided to outline my own.  No right or wrong here, just my approach.

As usual, any questions, just fire away.
Click on the blog title (Brett's Photography Tidbits) at the top to see all my tips. 

Photo Finishing or Editing - Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Creative Cloud

I you want to know more about Lightroom, or the Adobe Creative Cloud in general, just go tohttp://www.adobe.com,  ask me, OR post in the Facebook help group below. :-)

Don't disregard the Creative Cloud too fast, being a monthly subscription.  Find out what all it offers first.  If you are a serious photographer, you may be interested.  The photographer's bundle ($10.00 per month) includes Lightroom, FULL Photoshop (not Elements), a means to set up a couple of your personal web sites, and MUCH more.  Oh, by the way, you automatically get ALL upgrades, including major releases, at no additional charge.

There is a free 30-day trial, but ask me about FREE formal instruction first.  A lot there, and the 30 days goes fast.  Playing around with it, won't do it or you justice in 30 days.

For those of you who need Lightroom support, this Facebook group is probably the best and quickest means of technical support I've seen.  You'll most likely get an answer almost immediately.

Lightroom Help Group


As usual, any questions, just fire away.
Click on the blog title (Brett's Photography Tidbits) at the top to see all my tips.