BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Digital Photographic Discussions - Imaging Basics

Photography Question 

Tom R. Fleeman
 

Zenfolio-Mpix


I know some of you use this company. I just signed up a week or two ago.I am finding it takes forever to upload my photos. I uploaded (298) photos and it took about 4-4 1/2 hours to upload. They say it could be for alot of reasons. I know that but I also still have my old company for a while, (Photreflect) and the same folder took about 4-5 minutes. Please let me know how your dealings with this company are going. I have to say I like everything else about them though. I have already had (10) 8 x 10 photos processed through Mpix and they were wonderful, even better than I hoped for. Thanks for your time.

Tom


To love this question, log in above
0
December 12, 2011

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Hi Tom,
It depends on the file size and Zen is limited to 25MB per image. I used to upload the largest .tif files staying just below 25MB but have since started using full sized jpegs which will print 56 inch prints at 1/2 the size as the 25MB .tif files. It still takes a while but I can usually upload 100 just under 1 hour depending on how fast my connection is at the time I am uploading.
Its still slow but I usually do this when I am not working on my MAC and can shut everything down so that the only thing running is the upload.
I have sold a few 24 x 36 inch prints and they look fantastic with no complaints from my customers.
Hope this helps,
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 12, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
  Hi Carlton,
Thanks that is what I wanted to hear. You always have the answer. I am glad you are here to get answers to questions. I do have one more question if you have the time. I look at my photos and alot are ok, but they just don't look as clear and bright as most other's I see online, that crisp sharp I am right there looking at it now look. Do you think my photos are just not good or not focused or something in my system or post processing. Thanks for your time.

Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 13, 2011

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Hi Tom,
I dont see your images but will tell you that I took as many Photoshop classes here at BP as I did exposure, technique & creative shooting classes. I still need to refine my touch but figure this will be an ever evolving process as my tastes change while my abilities improve:) Lately all I have been doing for editing is using the 1st page of ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) in PS CS5. I start with White Balance/Exposure and work my way down the page and then sometimes a small adjust on the next tab for Curves. Thats usually all I do as my images come out of my 5D Mk II looking great if I have correct exposure and sharp focus. I also use all L lenses which are worth their weight in gold :)
Ansel Adams was a darkroom master which is often overlooked by many people. He would spend a lot of time & effort on an image and often said "its not a photograph until you see the print".
If you feel you need to improve your technique or editing abilities, BP has a lot of great classes to get you where you want to be. I have taken lots of classes and loved everyone of them.
Hope this helps,
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 13, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
 
 
 
Carlton here is one to compare with one of your crisp, sharp photos. Thanks

Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 13, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
 
 
 
Carlton here is one to compare with one of your crisp, sharp photos. Thanks

Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 13, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
  Hi Carlton,
I am at work right now, I see my photo didn't come through. I will try again when I get home. Thanks

Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 14, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
 
 
  not sharp enough
not sharp enough

Tom R. Fleeman

 
 
Look at this photo why is it not super sharp like I see online all the time.

Thanks Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 17, 2011

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  I dont see a real problem here except the DOF (depth of field). If you shoot at f/22 and 1/1000 sec you would have to push your ISO to compensate. The problem with this image is the players are all on different planes (distances from the camera) and this is an age old challenge in photography.
I dont know what your settings are in this photo so its hard for me to guess but its always about selecting the best DOF % shutter speed to capture what we want.
That and maybe a 400mm f/2.8 lens :)
Hope this helps,
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 17, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
  Hi Carlton,
This was shot at f/5.6,1/2000, ISO 800, +2 exposure, 80mm. What do you think.Thanks.

Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 17, 2011

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Hi Tom,
You have to think of DOF f/5.6 as capturing whatever player you are focused on and the same plane (distance from camera) will have those subjects in focus and any players a few feet in front or behind will be less sharp. Using f/16 or f/22 will make the plane deeper which will include more of the players at different distances. There are variances with every lens & each lens has its own characteristics but once you do a few tests, you will know how your lens performs.
Try shooting at f/11 or f/16 and 1/1000s (you may need to increase ISO to 1000 or 1200) and see how they look. Another reason I like full frame is they perform better at higher ISO's but this technology is rapidly improving all the time :)
Its always a compromise with DOF, Shutter speed or ISO - so pick the most important aspect of the exposure and select what works with it.
my .02,
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 19, 2011

 

Tom R. Fleeman
  I just started photography a little over a year ago and I think I get information overload sometimes. I see what you are talking about though and I will do some testing. I shoot a lot inside right now, sports basketball etc. This will really help sometimes I go thinking in the wrong direction when taking photos. I looked at your site again. You live a very exciting life my friend. All the festivals, and beautiful landscape opportunities you have, wonderful. Thanks for the help again. I am sure I will probably need something else sometime. I do appreciate it.

Tom


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 19, 2011

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
 
 

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
hh07e 007a
hh07e 007a
f/6.3, 1/250s, 33mm iso400 - Topaz filter adjust

Carlton Ward

 
 
Thank you Tom,
If you haven't taken an Exposure class or do not have a complete grasp - take Jim Zuckermans "Perfect Digital Exposure" or one of the many other choices taught here at Better Photo. Exposure in the base for all that is Photography and will give you a firm platform to grow from.
I learned about Better Photo from reading Bryan Petersons "Understanding Exposure" book and quickly signed up & took classes and they have been fundamental in my growth as a photographer.
I love where I live & what I do and during festival season I wear perma-grin while suntanning my teeth all spring/summer. I get all access passes & paid to do what I love to do while celebrating with all my friends so there is no reason not to smile-smile-smile :)
I am most proud of my portraits taken on the fly as I shoot during the festivals & my biggest concern is to keep the Honey-Buckets out of the background in my captures. I find that people in their "element" are relaxed and full of emotion which comes through in such a positive way and festivarians are definitely in their element. This is something I have to deal with when shooting seniors or people who are uncomforatble posing in front of a camera or "out of their element".
My Zen site has the complete galleries of my festival shoots if you click Festival/Private galleries link on the right side of the homepage of my BP website.
Cheers,
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
0
December 19, 2011

 
Log in to respond or ask your own question.