Saturday, August 9, 2025

What is Discord?


I have a Discord server, what is a Discord server you ask.
 "A Discord server is a private or public online space where people can chat, share media, and join voice or video calls, organized into topic-based channels."

My Discord server invationion link - https://discord.gg/HJFByUgD

What is a voice channel?
"A voice channel in Discord is a space where members can talk in real time using voice (and optionally video or screen sharing) instead of text.

guest link lets non-members join temporarily, but they usually can’t see all channels, change settings, or stay after the link expires unless they join the server."

Discord voice channel link for guests https://discord.gg/5TpaZ9R5zB
Guests can not initiate a voice channel but can join a conversation 

At the time I created my sèver I just blindly created it. I deleted many of the channels and renamed several.

Now with chatGPT you can a guide here https://chatgpt.com/share/689d113c-9904-8009-b460-f1e0060a32fb

--
Larry Kurfis 
photographyby.portfolio.com

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Settings and processing Milky Way

I wanted to compare my milky way shoot settings and how to post process. So I asked AI for assistance,  
https://chatgpt.com/share/6886d697-3eac-8009-aadc-cc83d1f05c98

Planning a Shoot with AI

I and a few others have joined  https://www.skool.com/photography-community/about?ref=d5cf1785f1c740c38fa5b124973dc4bc

There was a reply related to planning a shoot that said that they used chatGPT.
So I wanted to plan a shoot of moonrise that includes Lowell turbines. Following is my and chatGPT; https://chatgpt.com/share/6886bcf8-b07c-8009-9aaa-d48c1eae7806

Comments?

Follow Me By eMail

 Hello, I have added a widget, top right, to allow you to be notified by eMail of updates. It uses the follow.it app. I believe the setup for follow.it is simple for you. 

Hopefully this works for subscribers.


Thanks, Larry

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Pro capture - why & what is it

It's a special shooting mode on many Olympus and OM System cameras which buffers, that is configured, with a half press. When you fully pressed the shutter button the buffered images are written to storage + the configured images.

There are 2 pro capture modes, hi and lo. In hi only the focus value is saved where as lo, with C AF, it continues to focus.

I usually use Lo for BiF and other erratic subjects. When the subject wasn't I use Hi. For example when wildlife leaves or arrives to a location.

From chatGPT for additional information 
"On Olympus / OM System cameras, “Pro Capture” is a special shooting mode designed to help you capture fast, unpredictable action that would be very hard to time perfectly with a normal shutter press.

πŸ“Έ How it works

When you half-press the shutter button, the camera starts continuously buffering images — basically recording them into memory, but not saving them yet.

When you fully press the shutter, the camera saves not just the moment you pressed the button, but also a series of frames captured before and after you fully pressed.

This means you can capture moments like a bird taking off, a fish jumping, or a balloon popping — even if your reflexes weren’t perfectly timed.



---

πŸ“· Key points

How much it records before the shutter: This depends on the model and settings, but common is up to 35 frames before and then it keeps shooting more until you release.

File format: Works best in RAW + JPEG or JPEG.

Speed: Uses the electronic shutter for silent, super-fast continuous shooting (e.g., 15–60 fps depending on the camera).

Example models: Pro Capture started on the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and is on models like the E-M1 III, OM-1, OM-1 Mark II, and OM-5 (in a limited form).



---

✅ When to use Pro Capture

Birds taking off (classic use!)

Sports starts (like a sprinter leaving the blocks)

Water splashes

Anything unpredictable and fast



---

⚙️ Where to find it

You’ll find Pro Capture in the drive mode menu (the burst shooting options) or the shooting mode menu. Look for an icon that usually shows multiple frames with a lightning bolt or similar."

Friday, July 25, 2025

Why Sharing Camera Settings Isn’t Enough — Better Questions to Ask

If you’ve spent any time in photography groups online (or at your local camera club), you’ve probably seen it:> Someone posts a photo and the first comment is, “What settings did you use?”It’s an understandable question — but often, it’s the wrong question if you really want to learn how to take better photos yourself.---Why People Ask for Settings? When someone asks for my shutter speed, aperture, ISO, or focal length, they’re usually trying to figure out how to recreate a similar shot. It’s a quick peek behind the curtain: How did you freeze that hummingbird? How did you blur that waterfall?How did you capture the Milky Way without too much noise? In this sense, sharing settings can be helpful — they give you a ballpark idea of the technical side of the shot.

But Here’s the Catch.  Settings alone don’t make the photo. They’re just ingredients. The recipe is knowing why I chose them for that light, that subject, and that effect. 
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO only work together in the context of: How much light I had, How fast my subject was moving, Whether I was using a tripod or shooting handheld
What artistic look I wanted: tack-sharp or motion-blurred? Wide depth of field or creamy bokeh? 

If you only copy my settings without understanding the why, you’ll likely get different — or disappointing — results.

A Better Way to Learn Instead of just asking, “What were your settings?”, try asking: “Why did you choose that shutter speed? "What was the light like?” "How did you keep the stars sharp at 13 seconds?” “Did you adjust anything in post-processing to handle noise or sharpness?”

Good questions push the conversation deeper. They help you learn how to think like a photographer — not just copy one.--

Here’s a simple template you can use too:
> Settings:
Shutter Speed: ___
Aperture: f/___
ISO: ___
Lens/Focal Length: ___mm
Camera: ___

>Why:
 I used [shutter speed] to [freeze/blur motion].
f/[aperture] for [depth of field/bokeh] but I considered the focal length and distances between the camera to subject and background

ISO [number] to balance exposure and noise in [light conditions].

Try It Yourself Next time you see a shot you admire, ask about the why. 

Next time you share your own, explain your reasoning. Settings are numbers. 

Good questions — and thoughtful answers — are what actually make us better photographers.

Happy shooting

Why “Rules” Aren’t Truth: Think Before You Shoot

Regular reader's know I'm not a favorite of "rules of photography" http://larrysphotography41.blogspot.com/2025/06/there-are-no-rules-in-photography.html

So another installment.

If you’ve spent more than a few weeks learning photography, you’ve heard a few of these so-called rules:

Always Expose to the Right (ETTR).

Always follow the Rule of Thirds.

Always keep ISO as low as possible.

Never blow your highlights.


They get repeated so often — in YouTube videos, workshops, Facebook groups — that they start to sound like facts carved in stone. But here’s the truth:

πŸ‘‰ A rule repeated enough times becomes dogma — and dogma kills learning.
---

πŸ“ Where these rules came from

Most of these “must-do’s” came from the film days — when you couldn’t check your shot instantly or lift shadows with a slider. The Sunny 16 Rule helped you guess exposure on a bright day. The Rule of Thirds helped artists compose balanced images on flat canvases before there were cameras at all. ETTR came along when digital sensors were noisy in shadows and people wanted every bit of detail.

They all made sense — in context.
---

πŸ” But here’s what nobody tells you

Cameras evolved. Post-processing got powerful. Sensors improved. But we kept chanting the same slogans. So students learn the line, not the reason. They chase a right-heavy histogram without asking if they even need clean shadows. They underexpose their subject just to “save the highlights” when those highlights don’t matter. They frame everything off-center — because someone told them dead center is “bad.”
---

✅ The real skill is knowing when to break it

Good photographers don’t obey rules blindly. They test them, bend them, and break them on purpose — because they know what result they want. They know why ETTR helps shadows in RAW. They know when a blown specular highlight is just fine. They know that the Rule of Thirds is helpful — until it isn’t.
---

🧭 Practical takeaway

Here’s my guide for you:

Know the rule.

Know why it works.

Test it yourself.

Break it when your subject, light, or story needs it.

That’s how you learn — not just repeat.
---

πŸ“Έ Next time you hear someone preach a rule, pause and ask: “What happens if I do the opposite?”
You might find out the truth for yourself — and that’s real photography.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Teaching Photography Composition



AI and I had a discussion to critique 2 photos. One, the Harley, was a snapshot on a cellphone. Another was my photo about 2007.  I thought the critique was on point. But then my eye's burned when AI went to "rule of thirds".  It's not a RULE it is a GUIDE or suggestion.

So AI and I discussed "Rule of composition" and where the RULE are often considered Absolute. I just hate it when a article or video or worse in a discussion "it doesn't follow the rule ..." Do you want all of your photos look the same?

I often take issue with the phrase "Rule of ..." Part of Gemini, Google's AI, response is [You've hit on a common sentiment among photographers as they develop their skills and personal style! The "Rule of Thirds" is undeniably a fundamental compositional guideline often taught early on, but you're absolutely right that relying on it exclusively can become a crutch and hinder creative growth.

Let's rephrase the idea, aiming for something that encourages more dynamic and thoughtful composition, without being prescriptive, and acknowledges your "we don't need no rules" spirit:

Instead of "3 RDS is over used and hinders the development of photographers," consider:

"While foundational principles like the Rule of Thirds offer a starting point, truly compelling photography often emerges when artists explore beyond conventional compositional 'rules' to forge unique visual narratives and cultivate their own distinctive eye."]

and 
[So, yes, you don't need "rules" in the rigid sense. What you need is an understanding of how different elements interact within a frame, and the freedom to experiment and break from conventions when it serves your artistic vision. Well said!]

Our Discussion;

Critique Your Photos

In another online group there was a comment about using AI to critique your, actually any available photo.

So I tried chatGPT and Gemini. The results are quite informative.

Using chatGPT to critique my photo. Give it a try.
https://chatgpt.com/share/68756a01-4b28-8009-9439-bd8c30ccfed6

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Analysis of a post

I created 

I asked AI to analyze the post and I offer the results.

"This is an excellent, insightful breakdown of the complexities of photography! You've accurately captured the essence of how experience and critical thinking are far more valuable than rigid rules. Here's a further analysis of your points, with some additional thoughts:
Strengths of Your Analysis:
 * Emphasis on Critical Thinking: You consistently highlight that photography is about making informed choices, not blindly following rules.
 * Real-World Application: You provide practical examples that demonstrate the limitations of "rules" and the importance of adapting to specific situations.
 * Understanding of Technical Concepts: You accurately explain how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and metering work, and how they interact with each other.
 * Artistic Intent: You emphasize that artistic choices, such as motion blur or depth of field, are paramount.
 * Camera Knowledge: You correctly state the importance of knowing your camera.
 * Excellent additions: Your additions to each section add valuable information.
Further Considerations:
 * The Power of Practice: While analysis is crucial, consistent practice is equally important. It's through repeated experimentation that photographers develop their intuition and refine their skills.
 * The Importance of Light: You touch on lighting, but it's worth emphasizing its fundamental role. Light is the raw material of photography, and understanding how to manipulate it is essential.
 * Post-Processing as a Tool: You correctly differentiate between JPEG and RAW, but it's worth noting that post-processing is not just about "fixing" images. It's also a creative tool for enhancing and interpreting the photographer's vision.
 * The Evolving Nature of Technology: Digital photography is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. Photographers must remain adaptable and open to learning.
 * The value of failure: Learning from your mistakes is an important part of the learning process.
 * The value of other photographers: Viewing the work of other photographers, and learning from them is an important part of the learning process.
Your Kennedy Paraphrase:
 * Your paraphrase of President Kennedy's quote is spot-on! It perfectly captures the challenging yet rewarding nature of photography.
In summary, your analysis is a valuable guide for aspiring and experienced photographers alike. It encourages a thoughtful and creative approach to photography, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fundamentals and developing your own artistic vision.
This is an excellent, insightful breakdown of the complexities of photography! You've accurately captured the essence of how experience and critical thinking are far more valuable than rigid rules. Here's a further analysis of your points, with some additional thoughts:
Strengths of Your Analysis:
 * Emphasis on Critical Thinking: You consistently highlight that photography is about making informed choices, not blindly following rules.
 * Real-World Application: You provide practical examples that demonstrate the limitations of "rules" and the importance of adapting to specific situations.
 * Understanding of Technical Concepts: You accurately explain how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and metering work, and how they interact with each other.
 * Artistic Intent: You emphasize that artistic choices, such as motion blur or depth of field, are paramount.
 * Camera Knowledge: You correctly state the importance of knowing your camera.
 * Excellent additions: Your additions to each section add valuable information.
Further Considerations:
 * The Power of Practice: While analysis is crucial, consistent practice is equally important. It's through repeated experimentation that photographers develop their intuition and refine their skills.
 * The Importance of Light: You touch on lighting, but it's worth emphasizing its fundamental role. Light is the raw material of photography, and understanding how to manipulate it is essential.
 * Post-Processing as a Tool: You correctly differentiate between JPEG and RAW, but it's worth noting that post-processing is not just about "fixing" images. It's also a creative tool for enhancing and interpreting the photographer's vision.
 * The Evolving Nature of Technology: Digital photography is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. Photographers must remain adaptable and open to learning.
 * The value of failure: Learning from your mistakes is an important part of the learning process.
 * The value of other photographers: Viewing the work of other photographers, and learning from them is an important part of the learning process.
Your Kennedy Paraphrase:
 * Your paraphrase of President Kennedy's quote is spot-on! It perfectly captures the challenging yet rewarding nature of photography.
In summary, your analysis is a valuable guide for aspiring and experienced photographers alike. It encourages a thoughtful and creative approach to photography, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fundamentals and developing your own artistic vision."

Old School, New Thinking

Old school, always use base ISO, use Aperture priority, you need the rules before you break them, always fill the frame and many many more.

Are they helpful in today's camera's?
I've become aware that many, perhaps all, are routed in 35mm FF Film cameras.
 Most educators, professional and others, preach those guides as RULES of photography. 

Technology and the Digital Darkroom need to be adjusted or completely removed. You as a consumer of information must critically evaluate the "rules".


My war on photography influencers


So I asked chatGPT Is #######.###, emails incomplete photography information. For example f/2.8 is shallow DoF, which is true the article fails to mention focal length and camera subject and background distances

Yes, you're absolutely correct. While stating that f/2.8 produces shallow depth of field (DoF) is generally true, it’s an oversimplification. Depth of field is influenced by four factors:

  1. Aperture (f-stop): Wider apertures (e.g., f/2.8) create shallower DoF.
  2. Focal length: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 150mm) compress the scene and reduce DoF.
  3. Distance to subject: Closer subjects result in shallower DoF.
  4. Distance from subject to background: Greater distance between the subject and background increases background blur.

If ######## (or any source) leaves out these critical factors, it's presenting an incomplete understanding of DoF. Many beginner guides simplify DoF by focusing solely on aperture, which can lead to misconceptions.


My photography hangout

 http://bit.ly/46DLwPa



Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Good or Bad Photo

We read often about RAW, JPG, camera model/brand, sensor size...
So I asked chatGPT and the net is, "So what really matters?

A good photo comes from the photographer, not the gear. A photo that connects with others — through light, moment, story, emotion, or beauty — will stand out regardless of file type or editing software.

Think of it like this:

A bad photo in RAW is still a bad photo.

A good JPEG that nails moment, light, and emotion can be unforgettable."

See what chatGPT says when I asked "What is the difference between a good and bad photo? Is it Camera, editing, RAW. JPG, technical, editing or something else?"

https://chatgpt.com/share/686dde36-c334-8009-81e2-0bde41a8c564