Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

For all that have visited my blog 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 

I hope you have found something of value that has assisted your photography.

Thank you for visiting.

Lightroom Classic import (Julieanne Kost's Blog)

If you are new to Lightroom Classic or would like a refresher this is worth a view of the videos.

 Julieanne's blog has additional information https://jkost.com/blog/ you may want to review.

OVERVIEW & IMPORTING PHOTOS

• (2024) An Overview of the Lightroom Classic Interface
• (2024) Importing Photos Form A Camera Card into Lightroom Classic
• (2024) Importing Photos from a Hard Drive into Lightroom Classic
• (2024) Tips for Importing Files into Lightroom Classic
• (2024) The Embedded Preview Workflow in Lightroom Classic
• *Quick Tip – Why Does the Photograph’s Preview Change in Lightroom Classic After Import?
• *Quick Tip – How to Stop Lightroom Classic from Switching Folders After Importing Files

Think Rolls of Film.

In Scott Kelby's book "Crush the Composition" he wrote "'Then they start working the scene that’s in front of them and maybe that means taking 20 shots, or maybe that means taking 100, but they keep doing it until they can look at the back of the camera and say, “Nailed it!” Only then do they move on to the next scene or location and start the process of seeing and experimenting all over again."

Of course film is your card or cards in your digital camera.

Back in the day you had 24/36, or less, rolls of film. When you worked the scene did you need to actually take photos, wait for the processing and then review the negatives to select those to print?

Now in fast paced action, or perhaps street photography, burst shooting has it's place. But when you're working the scene do you need to take 20 or more shots? Maybe not. Slow down, use your eye, viewfinder, to visualize the photo.

Yes I often take many photos at an event because I'm looking for those that are unique. The candid shot with the unique expression. The those without the pasted on smile or expression.

Of course YMMV.

December 2024 Lightroom updates

I a using Lightroom desktop and the following video discusses updates

https://youtu.be/6akSZ47_EnA?si=KGpk1dIWig6k1jQX&sfnsn=mo

And from Lightroom Queen https://www.lightroomqueen.com/whats-new-in-lightroom-2024-12/

Stop it, stop it, stop it!

Stop it, stop it, stop it! Posting your pictures on Facebook, Flickr, 500px or ANY website with those two horrible words – Constructive Criticism – is NOT helping your photography

Read more at www.JoeEdelman.com: STOP asking for Constructive Criticism on your Photography https://www.joeedelman.com/constructive-criticism

In the article Joe Edelman wrote "Photographers are not allowed to just post a picture and say CC Welcome. Each post must contain details. Yes — the basic shutter speed, aperture, lens, ISO stuff. Also lighting, types of gear, modifiers, and placements. But that’s not the important stuff – all that technical crap is just reference data. The important part of the post is where the photographer explains WHY they took the picture. What was the intended purpose of the shot? Is the photographer happy with the shot? How about the subject – were they happy? If it were possible to revisit the scenario, what would the photographer do differently to improve the photo? And lastly, photographers are encouraged to ask a specific question about their own photograph so that those viewing it have a sense of how they can best help."

I was leading a discussion group about Critiques of photos. When I suggested we should not concentrate on the "rules of composition" but understand the Why the photo was taken, I was shouted down.

You have to know the "rules" before you break them. If they are new they need the rules to get a good photo.

Years ago, before I read this, when I attend one Camera Training Club meetings the first critique of others photos I almost puked when another member voiced "it didn't follow the rule of THIRDS" .

Another time after a field trip one of my photos was told to remove the white dot on the night scene. Another member said, That's Venus I think he wanted it.

Just say'n.

Composition. What's important?

After watching 60 Minutes Meet Khanmigo: the student tutor AI being tested in school districts.

I wondered how would Google Gemini answer asked "As an instructor What actionable questions should I ask of photos"

Then "As an instructor What actionable questions should I ask of wild life photos" and landscape.

Then "Based on the proceeding what are most important"

 All the answers addressed what we have, as photographers, have been told, watched and read.

Then I asked "What non photographers consider a great photo?" 

The answer "While photographers may focus on technical aspects like exposure, composition, and depth of field, non-photographers often appreciate a photo based on more emotional and aesthetic qualities. Here are some common factors that non-photographers consider when evaluating a photo:

Emotional Impact:

Does the photo evoke a strong emotion?

Does it tell a story or evoke nostalgia?

Does it make the viewer feel something?

Visual Appeal:

Is the photo visually pleasing?

Does it have a strong composition and interesting subject matter?

Are the colors and contrast striking?

Clarity and Sharpness:

Is the photo clear and well-focused?

Are the details sharp and easy to see?

Originality:

Is the photo unique and different from others?

Does it offer a fresh perspective or a new way of seeing something?

Simplicity:

Is the photo simple and easy to understand?

Does it avoid clutter and distractions?

Ultimately, a great photo is one that resonates with the viewer on an emotional level. It should be visually appealing, easy to understand, and evoke a strong reaction."

I'm not suggesting that technical aspects are not important because they are important. 

What I'm suggesting is that non photographers evaluate photos much differently.

We photographers must consider making an impact with our photos.

Photograph your foot

I initially wrote this in a post to another club. I created the blog post because I met others who hadn't picked up their cameras for a few years.

I believe they can jump start their photography. Even today I take photos of my foot to reinforce my understanding.

Why?

It's handy.

It's about 5' from your camera when sitting in your recliner.

Ok, but why?

It's a learning tool.

When watching TV and the commercials on pickup your camera. Take a photo of your foot. 

Why? It's not about your foot, it's about learning. Your camera, DoF, Focus area, Focal length, manual focus, noise, focus point, Aperture, shutter speed, program, auto, ISO, and more 

Why? It's easy, you don't have to travel. 

Do it with purpose. You could actually learn.

Choose Your Aperture

In a recent sippet from The Grid ( about 30inutes in) got me thinking how to choose the Aperture.

Usually I desk check to consider the Aperture I'll use considering my expectation of the scene. I use Photopills app on my phone. You may use this web version. 

As an example I wanted to that light trails of lighted Disc Golf. I wanted to use my 12mm f/2.0 lens. Since there is no way I could focus on the dark what could I do?

I used Photopills DoF and setup my camera type. f/2.0 then estimated the subject distance to the camera of 50 ft.

https://www.photopills.com/calculators/dof

That didn't work since the near distance was 49.+ ft. So what if the lighted Disc lands say 10ft from my camera? Using a subject of 20 feet gives me a near Dof  about 9ft and a far of infinity.

The result yes but some of the discs landed out of the Depth of field in front so they are not sharp.

To me it's all about "acceptable" sharpness. 

UPDATE(20241126) - Hyperfocal distance 

Of course YMMV.

Using LrC to create a Time Lapse

Many cameras can create a time lapse movie, .mov. But you can use LrC Slideshow module with this fstoppers article.

Fill the Frame

I got it. Fill the frame, that is important, but it often depends on what the photographers plan.

For me when I am photographing Birds in Flight, BiF. I frequently ask myself, "is that bird to far to get a good photo?"

Yes sensor size and lens focal length figures in to that answer.

So for me my M43 camera and zoom at 300mm, how far away is to far?

My camera has a crop factor of 2x so my equivalent is 600mm. So how far is to far?

Back to PhotoPills FoV Pill. At 300mm, subject 300 ft with FoV of 17'5"x13'. So a large bird say an eagle would "fit". In Postprocessing a 2x crop would lead to  about 8'6"x7'. So basically it fills the frame.  

So maybe set my focus limiter maybe 350' and use the 2x teleconverter I would usually "fill" the frame. But the conventual wisdom is never use your teleconverter. That's true for jpg shooters. But, on my OM-D E-M5 iii, in RAW capture it's only a margination in my view finder. Your camera always captures what is in the sensor. The JPG engine crops you image, RAW doesn't crop. For me when I review the image on the LCD it has a white outline of the 2x crop. Yes if I print a 2x crop image I have 13" on the long edge at 200 pixels per inch. Good enough for an 11x14 inch print.

So when I setup my camera for BiF I'll set my focus limiter to a max of  350 feet minimum of 30 feet, 2x teleconverter. I have configured my camera to have a button to activate/deactivate the teleconverter and another enable/disable focus limiter.  I just have to remember the buttons and functions. 

Is your camera good enough?

 If you think your camera is not good enough take a few minutes to view this

Do you get it right in camera?

Do you get it right in the camera? Or do you leave the engineers to do your post processing? Is JPG post processing?

Read on, https://larrysphotography41.blogspot.com/2020/09/get-it-right.html?m=1

Remove the Background in Photoshop

I have difficulty removing the background in Photoshop.

This video from Jesus Ramirez is helpful for that as well as other selections and refining selections.

You may want to join the Photoshop Training Channel, PTC, on Youtube.

Jesus Ramirez is a regular presenter at the 2024 Lightroom Virtual Summits and  the upcoming Photoshop Virtual Summit 6. Additional information on Virtual Summits by  Dave Cross

Cull my Shoot

This is a Work in Progress that I will revise as needed.

I use the Adobe Ecosystem and have older images in the folder Lightroom Classic. New images are in the folder Lightroom Desktop. You may want to read my blog post Moving from Lightroom Classic to Lightroom.

In Lightroom Classic LrC. When I note Lightroom, Lr, it is NOT Lightroom Classic

• I copy my images to the destination folder on my external drive.
• LrC. Import the images and add any keywords and Title or comments needed.
• LrC. If chosen I set import presets.
• In Lr there is No Import function needed.

• Create a Collection Set for the shoot
• LrC. Create a collection, in the collection set, for the full shoot.
• LrC. Add the full shoot to that collection.
• In Lr Local there are no Collections.
• In Library mode Grid view in the Collection for the full shoot.
• I usually have 3 to 6 images on a page.
• LrC. Put Caps lock on for automatically go to the next image.
• In Lightroom there is not automatic advance.
• LrC. Quickly view each photo and 'P'ick or X. X are images that are out of focus or otherwise bad.
• In Lightroom the Z  is Pick flag.
• LrC
• Select all Picks and create a Picks collection in the collection set and move the Picks there.
• Now it's time to get BRUTAL and use Loupe view 
• for each image analyze at 100% for focus
•  Go pack to Fit and analyze the composition
• If you want to spend time to edit further give it a 4.
• Use 1 for memory shots.
• Move the P and 4's to another collection 
• Lr
• You can approximate collections by creating subdirectories. Sometimes I create 
• Full Shoot
• Picks
• Editing
• Use 4 stars when editing is complete
• Edit in PS as needed and to add my signature
• Five stars when completed and when ready to publish move to parent folder.

• I've been attempting to just have 1 to 3 of a similar image, like a sunset, sunrise, moon, ... Why force the viewer to make a  choice from 10-20 good photos that are very similar?
• For example on a recent shoot I have several good/great images of a Great Blue Heron in flight. I choose the one that you could see the eye, extended wings, etc. in sharp focus and detail.

Keepers?

When you go to a photo shoot how many are keepers?

Only your best is the answer. Randy Saffles always said "only show your best" but what is the best of several hundreds of photos?

Of course it depends. It depends on your genre. Action, wildlife, events, landscape ...? Maybe 10% +-.

You have to be brutal  when culling. Go through your shoot several times.

This video by David Bergman may be helpful.

My DoF Rant

I've been somewhat disgusted with the pundents that give simple solutions to complex photography subjects.

For what's it worth. It isn't that simple. Many articles and videos are just click bait. A simple way to improve your photography.

My favorite piss off issue is use a large Aperture to have a small DoF. While not incorrect it doesn't tell the complete story.

In stoppers article dated July 27 2024 it address DoF here.

I've discussed this subject over the years here.

It's not that simple 

And here https://youtu.be/vaK6bHiD4qU?si=kdco7WJguigFD7Yj

Zone Focus

Many articles discussed sharpness. Yes it's important and many may will disagree with me. 

But do you need to track the eye and spend money to purchase new cameras, "gun site" accessories? IMHO No.

Consider zone focus. 

For me with moving subjects I use Photopills DoF pill to decide will the subject be in focus.

When I'm using my 75-300mm glass wide open at f/6.7 and estimated distance of 100ft my DoF is over than 6 feet. That's enough for me to capture many subjects with acceptable sharpness. At f/8.0 DoF is 8 ft. That works for me. YMMV.

For those not M43 shooters need to consider the sensor size. Using a full frame at 600mm it would cut the DoF about half.

 DoF Simulator

PhotoPills DoF Pill

Choose your aperture

My DoF Rant

Larrys Photography Hangout

 I will be using this discord server Larry's Photography Hangout as my main photo comment area. Join by using the link above. 

In the hangout we can discuss several photographic areas as well as postprocessing in Lightroom, Photoshop as well as the Adobe Ecosystem. There is also a voice channel where we can have a video conversation.

 

Getting Started With Lightroom

 Don't purchase a subscription, install the application and start using it!

Take an online course.

Mattk https://mattk.com/lightroomsystem/

Tim Grey https://www.greylearning.com/courses/mastering-lightroom-classic-2023

Lara Shoe https://laurashoe.com/lightroom-5-6-classic-cc-the-fundamentals-beyond-video-tutorials/

Anthony Morganti https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLllFqBuTM0WJTD4rpvf748Um9MMmbo4r9

In the words of Thomas Watson "THINK".

I started using Lightroom sometime in 2016. At a recommendation, a helpful friend, I purchased a $30 book. Yes it got me started but not the best way. I then found an online course which I purchased. It made sense and it was quite good and through. But led me, I found later, a some of a rabbit hole.

What's the hole?  Basically I didn't THINIK. I just had images on the 'C' drive on my PC.

FIRST THINK about your folder/volume structure. An  early course suggested year, month, day structure. That worked but... Use a large, 2 to 3 terabyte, external drive. Consider an SSD, Solid State Drive. Get another one as a backup drive. 

Second Understand that Lightroom is a DAM, Digital Asset Management application. A relational Database. It uses a Catalog to know where your on your filesystem your images is with the metadata about your camera, serial, lens, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, Focal Length, and other information, 

The important is to what makes sense to you. Based on recent  videos I have landed on Categories. So I am  moving to;

CATORGIES

   TRAVEL

name of trip followed by date. For example Alaska Trip 2016 or yyyymmdd Alaska

    PEOPLE

    WILDLIFE

    LANDSCAPE  

 what works for you.

IF or when YOU INSTALLED LIGHTROOM CLASSIC AND STARTED USING IT 

DON'T MOVE YOUR FILES USING THE COMPUTER'S FILE SYSTEM 

 Finder or Explorer 

Now if you want to avoid the Lightroom Classic catalog and a few features that Classic has install Lightroom, which was call Cloud. Lightroom is basically a image browser in the Local tab.

Watch this video by Brian Matiash about Lightroom

Also my blog post here about how I am moving to Lightroom

 

Am I Getting Better?

How am I getting better?

Using the following criteria;   composition, focus. lighting, exposure, sharpness, would print and show them on your wall?

Go through the photos you took 3 years ago and select 20-24, no more, that you consider are the best. 

 This is your base line. Create a collection or album of that collection.  Perhaps give that album/collection name "Improvement Baseline"

Next go through your photos taken in the last 12 months  and select the 20-24, no more, of your best. 

Now on the last best which, using the same criteria when selecting the  baseline which are better than the first best. If you have 0 you haven't progressed. Now since you progressed use the one's better than you baseline and replace best of the new selection in the baseline. That is the new baseline. 

Replace this process in the next 12 months to note your improvement.

18% Gray

We were in a store and i saw black and white poster board. So I grabbed my pocket camera and took a couple of shots. I believe that there's florescence lighting.

White posterboard 

Black poster board 

Our cameras are created to average reflected light to middle, 18%, gray.

No this isn't scientific study just a casual couple of photos.

Become a "Bad Photographer"

 In 2020 I became a "bad photographer" and wrote on my blog

Yes over the years I've purchased several camera Bodies. Not for improved picture quality but for improved features, weight, dials and buttons, articulated screen.

In 2016 or 17 I asked Randy Saffles about what camera to buy he said glass. It's more important.

Get the shot!

This video provide additional information

If you're interested

I have a online group where we can share images, discuss photography, the digital darkroom and related.

This uses phone and tablets. There is no native app for computers.

You can join here: 

Larry Kurfis wants you to join the group, Practical Photography By Larry in the TeamReach App.

Instructions:

Install TeamReach on iPhone (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teamreach-team-management/id1101253705?mt=8

Install TeamReach on Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teamreach.app

Enter code: PGL_M541

Thanks

Get more from your Cell phone camera.

 Cellphone camera users may find this useful from Picture Correct

I use the special features on my Pixel 6s as well as the camera in lightroom mobile and open camera app.

Following this Blog?

 I have added a feature where you can follow this blog. It is on the upper right. 

Please consider following my blog. Thank you.

My Lightroom Desktop Workflow

1. Insert camera card to computer reader.

2. Select the images you want to save to your "image library" and copy them. 

3. Paste to the desired location. 

4. Using Lightroom Desktop review and select your picks and select those selections and create a subdirectory and move the selections to that directory, which I label it to PICKS. 

5. Review the PICKS and those I choose to edit and give them 4 stars.

6. When it is ready to publish I got to Photoshop to add my signature them make those 5 stars.

7. Optionally copy the best to the cloud.

How I got the Shot

The Shot

I use an Olympus OM-D E-M5 iii and the cellphone app oi.share.

I put a rag on the ground to rest the camera on. With the fully articulated screen I arranged the camera for the shots, enabled wifi connection then to closed the screen.

With my phone I set wifi for connect to the camera. Opened the app oi.share and used remote control function. I selected live view so I can control camera settings and press the shutter. 

Now set in a chair and wait for the action and trip the shutter.

An example of the phones screen

That's how I got the Shot.

Larry's Photography Hang out

I have a Discord server called Larry's Photography Hangout . You are invited to join by following this link, https://discord.com/invite/4dbE6GYpXa

At my hangout we can discuss all things photography, exchange information, ask the community for assistance. Discord server is an interactive text and video community.

Moving from Lightroom Classic to Lightroom (Update 20240923)

 Some may ask Why? Well I've hedged my bets so I can go back. I created xmp sidecar on every imported image. I changed so that xmp sidecars are created for each import and edit. Since lightroom desktop any edit there will also use the xmp. When you use Lightroom Classic you get an indication that the metadata was changed by outside of LrC choose to use the metadata on the disk.

First I created a folder under me master photos folder called Lightroom Desktop. In Lightroom Classic Library folders I changed my folder name to Lightroom Classic.

Now all new images will be copied from my camera to Lightroom Desktop. I have a folder CATAGORIES  and under that I have folder for ANIMIALS, PEOPLE, LANDSCAPE,  and others. Each subcategory I will further refine to others as needed. 

I can use my camera microphone to record a short description of the shoot and other information as needed. The import dialog in Classic ignores that information.

Yes there are some "short comings" but none are show stoppers. 

When I wanted to create a slideshow I select the images and moved them to a subfolder, Slideshow-name.

Why use Lightroom Desktop? No catalog, basically the Local tab is a browser and when you have your best images you can add them to the cloud and use web, mobile, portfolio and other that the Adobe Ecosystem.

Name Change

 I have changed the name of the blog. Practical Photography by Larry where I want to provide practical and useful information. I use an Olympus OM-D E-M5 iii camera and 12mm f/2.0, 60mm Macro, 14-150mm and 75-300mm lenes. I'm not an expert and my opinions are based on my actual use. From time to time I will get technical so just pass over the tech stuff if you want. If you have questions on my camera send me a note to larrykm5iii@gmail.com

Tripod

I've read many articles and watched videos of "property" setting up and using tripod's.

My Opinion:

Purchase one that fits your height. To me that means I don't have to bend to see the camera viewfinder and one I don't have to extend the center column. Ideally no center column so you can get your camera low.

Extend the largest tubes first. However when you are in water, mud, sand you may want to extend the smallest since they are easy to clean.

Most have a hook where you can hang weight, like your camera bag.

Pick one the supports your camera and heaviest lens.

The "front" leg should be inline with the lens.

Adjust the legs so your camera is level.

Only extend the center column, if one, LAST IF NEEDED.

I want to take good pictures

If your goal is to only take good pictures just learn about composition and use the camera you have in your hand. Do you mean a cellphone camera? Yes. Most newer phone cameras do a fantastic job. But I have a top level camera. You will get good pictures in Auto mode. My camera doesn't have a Auto mode. Then you purchased a camera beyond just taking good pictures, it's a pro-rated camera.

What should I do to get pictures that are better than good? Study, it's that simple. Photography is about light. There are 3 adjustments that control light. Two are creative and one a brightness control, like a volume control.

The creative controls are Aperture and Shutter Speed. 

Aperture - the size of the lens opening, f-stop. Aperture controls DoF, Depth of Field. Although distance from camera to subject to background also DoF.

Shutter Speed - controls motion, your motion as well the scenes motion.

Brightness - known as ISO. Higher ISO, like gain or volume, increase noise.

"Choose your Shutter Speed with PURPOSE and your Aperture with FEELING. Then adjust the BRIGHTNESS with ISO." Joe Edelman

There's much more in later posts and in previous posts.

Send images to Social Media

This isn't for all since I use the Adobe Ecosystem.

One way for Lightroom Classic users. A way, actually my way.

1. Set-up Lightroom Classic to sync. This only enabled syncing.

2. Create a collection you would like to sync with the Adobe Cloud. Perhaps name your collection "Social Media Sync".

3. Enable sync for this collection.

4. Add images to the collection.

I chose to use Lightroom Mobile so this is my chosen workflow 

Select photos you want to send to social media.

I picked the waves.

Click on the share icon

now you can scroll through the available apps on your phone. 

I'll choose Instagram.

I click feed and now I'm in Instagram and make those options you desire. For example.

That's my way. Other choices are exercises for the students.