Newest Still Life Tutorials

[LearnMyShot]

I'd Like to share our newest still life tutorial with you.

Video: How to photograph Shiny Metal Objects (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-Shiny-Reflective-Objects-Silver-Chrome-Metal)
Please let me know what you think. We just launched the site in January 2010 and highly appreciate your feedback!

Here is the final shot:
http://keentype.com/post-images/shiny-objects-post.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-Shiny-Reflective-Objects-Silver-Chrome-Metal)
Cheers! :)

[Stickman]

Good stuff, but the background music is far too loud as it fades in and out.

[LearnMyShot]

Thank you Stickman, We just introduced music a few weeks ago. So there is a bit of learning curve for us. I will try to take the volume down a notch, next time

[reddyroc007]

cool, will check out later. that cutlery shot is impressive.

[tysonh]

Great! I was just trying to shoot a whiskey bottle that has a metal label and was struggling with the reflections. I'm just getting started out in the lighting world and this really helped. Thanks

[LearnMyShot]

Thank you for your feedback!

We just posted a new Still Life Tutorial on How to create sunlight effect in studio.

Video: How to Create Sunshine Effect in Studio with Artificial Sunlight (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Create-Sunshine-Effect-in-Studio-with-Artificial-Sunlight)

here is the final shot:
http://keentype.com/pic/sunlight-effect-flk-opt.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Create-Sunshine-Effect-in-Studio-with-Artificial-Sunlight)
Please let me know what you think.

[Picture North Carolina]

Thank you Stickman, We just introduced music a few weeks ago. So there is a bit of learning curve for us. I will try to take the volume down a notch, next time

Turn the music off. Is your goal to entertain or to teach? If you want to entertain, learn to tap dance and produce a nice video.

Edit: I did not view the video, but in looking at the page a few questions.

Why AV mode? A still-life shoot is not an "action" type of project, so why would you recommend AV mode (where the photographer has control over part of the camera) over manual mode where you are in full control of your equipment?

F22 - I assume everybody understands DOF so a lesson is not necessary here. On the other hand, at least on my cameras I can visibly see the beginnings of image degradation (diffraction (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/u-diffraction.shtml)) at F11 on some lenses and at F16 on others. Even more so at F22. The image looks very nice here compressed down to a web size, but shot at F22, I would think that this image, printed at a large print size if needed, would show visible image degradation.

[LearnMyShot]

Turn the music off. Is your goal to entertain or to teach? If you want to entertain, learn to tap dance and produce a nice video.

Edit: I did not view the video, but in looking at the page a few questions.

Why AV mode? A still-life shoot is not an "action" type of project, so why would you recommend AV mode (where the photographer has control over part of the camera) over manual mode where you are in full control of your equipment?

F22 - I assume everybody understands DOF so a lesson is not necessary here. On the other hand, at least on my cameras I can visibly see the beginnings of image degradation (diffraction (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/u-diffraction.shtml)) at F11 on some lenses and at F16 on others. Even more so at F22. The image looks very nice here compressed down to a web size, but shot at F22, I would think that this image, printed at a large print size if needed, would show visible image degradation.

Hello CannedHeat
Thank you for your input. i will be more then happy to answer your questions.

Yes our goal is to teach. one of the reasons we added music is because many of our members wrote to us asking to add music to help the videos flow better. Also some professionals who work in video production recommended it as well. So we listened and happy with outcome. I personally don't see anything wrong about mixing entertainment with education. Tap dance might not be not a bad idea. I love to tap dance!

I assume your questions are in regard to Shiny Objects (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-Shiny-Reflective-Objects-Silver-Chrome-Metal) lesson.
To answer your questions:
Why AV mode? This series of lessons is aimed at both beginners and advanced. Majority of DSLR users use P mode. We feel that teaching beginners to use AV in situations where particular DOF desired is a big first step. Advanced users who prefer to use manual can use that mode instead.

F22. was used because deep depth of field was desired. I often like to use f22 on certain product, macro and architectural work. My work has been printed in national magazines, books, and billboard ads. I haven't seen any problem on my images. But it is an interesting topic and will look at the link you provided.
I checked out your site in your sig - your work looks great i love the "Fall unto thy grave" project

thanks for your input.

[Viva-photography]

I love your site!
Keep the tutorials coming!

[jetcode]

that was really useful. nice and short and to the point.

[Cam101]

Your second "sunlight" tutorial had much better use of background music than the first "shiny metal object" tutorial. I like the concept of your videos. Short and to the point.

[LearnMyShot]

Thank you guys for your support. I appreciate your comments. I will Post a new one tomorrow.

[LearnMyShot]

here it is:

VIDEO: How To Photograph Flowers in Studio (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Take-Beautiful-Pictures-of-Flowers-and-Floral-Arrangements)

here is the shot:
http://keentype.com/pic/FloralArangement-big-frm.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Take-Beautiful-Pictures-of-Flowers-and-Floral-Arrangements)
Let me know what you think!

[LearnMyShot]

You really do not need to spend big bucks on lighting gear. You can achieve professional results with a $7 clamp lamp :)
VIDEO: http://www.learnmyshot.com/Lighting-and-Grip-Equipment-for-Clamp-Lamp-Studio

[Cyclop]

Beautiful shots. Thanks for sharing your video tutorials.

[LearnMyShot]

Cyclop: Thank you so much for your comment

We have a new Tutorial - fun to experiment with: check it out-
VIDEO: How to Photograph Fire (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)
Here are some final shots:
http://keentype.com/pic/fire.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)

and one with Hue adjusted for purple kicks:
http://keentype.com/pic/fire--purple.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)
Cheers!
Please let me know what you think!

[710 Studio]

I have not taken the time to view your tutorials, but the images you are posting here certainly have created a great interest in me. When I get a little time, I can't wait to view the tutorials.

[JoShAdKa4]

Thank you so much for sharing your learning videos, I am excited to get started shooting with the techniques that I am learning.

[nanette37]

about the first tutorial, would that work with glass as well? like say a glass full of juice or something?

[Darvon]

Nice stuff, Robert. Thanks for sharing all your work.

[LearnMyShot]

Thank you guys for your feedback!
about the first tutorial, would that work with glass as well? like say a glass full of juice or something?
no that one will not work with the glass.
To shoot a glass you need at least two large sources of light ( one on each side pretty close to the subject")
i usually use one roll of vellum on each side about a foot away from the glass. If shooting in environment or light background - a background light will be needed. Here is one shot I did for a tea company using that technique: http://sashagitin.com/life/images/copyRight_l005.jpg
this tutorial has somewhat similar lighting set up: http://www.learnmyshot.com/Aquarium-photography-How-to-photograph-your-goldfish-in-tank
please show me your shot when it's done,
cheers!

[nanette37]

thanks! thats a really helpful tutorial. i cnt show you my shot though cuz i dont have a camera yet haha. im getting one in 3 weeks and i just want to learn as much as i can first. and i like still life photography. im planning on building a light box sometime soon. ive watched a few things on your website and its so helpful! keep it up! i'll be checking it every once in a while for anything new :)

[LearnMyShot]

We have a new tutorial that Demonstrates: (video) How to photograph Wine Bottles (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles-on-White-Background)
here is the final shot:
http://keentype.com/post-images/wineBottles/vine-bottles-post.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Wine-Bottles-on-White-Background)

This is the first tutorial were we are using studio strobes. Please let us know what you think.
cheers!
p.s. We just moved to a new server: so the things should run more smoothly.

[LearnMyShot]

If you get a solid understanding of how to photograph texture you can shoot pretty much any subject out there with confidence:
Out latest tutorial goes step by step in describing the technique:

Tutorial link : How to photograph texture (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Photography-Lighting-Technique-to-Show-Texture)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4891533594_18cb4afe63_z.jpg

[blakeG!]

really nice simple tutorials. thanks for that info!