Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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Updates From BetterPhoto

1: Slow Photoshop

A while back there was a thread on picking up the speed of photoshop. I am using CS2 and the program is stalling and very slow. Carlton had a solution to the problem on the last thread which I could not find on a search. Anyone know the answer???
Thanks in advance.

ANSWER 1:

Hi Mary,
In Photoshop, go to Edit>Preferences>Memory & Cache, and make sure it is set around 70 to 80%.
This will allocate that amount of RAM for just Photoshop when you have PS open.
Blessings,
Carlton

2: Camera Shake (Flinch)?

Can anyone help me? Iam 53 years old, have been shooting since high school year book in 1974. I have discovered in the past year or so that when I depress the shutter release that I flinch real bad resulting in camera shake. I shoot with a Nikon D300 and their vibration restisant(VR)lens ,i also notice when I shoot with my SB800 flash my images look a bit better.i notice also the problem accurs even out doors on sunny days at higher shutter speeds, any ideas?

ANSWER 1:

Patrick, why don't you buy a shutter remote release? That would probably be the best solution.

ANSWER 2:

Howdy Patrick !
It's less likely that your flinching is related to age as opposed to technique. In that respect, I offer the following:

Soft images can be caused by a number of factors either singly or in combination. Subject movement aside, using a long lens whether fixed or a zoomer, say a 200 or even 400 mm lens at less than optimal shutter speeds say 1/250th or 1/500th for those two lenses, can lead to soft images especially at higher magnification/enlargement. Thus, that's one technique to try, higher speeds or even bump your ISO up a bit.
Using a camera support of some kind when possible is also helpful. I like using larger lenses off a monopod (I prefer Gitzo but there are countless others offered). As Jess suggested, a remote release, like a radio slave coupled to a release, can be another solution although my preference is just mounting the camera on a tripod and using a short cable release for long exposures.
BTW, I also like using a quick release plate on all my pods, tripods and monopods. Supporting the camera on a tree limb, rock, a wall, are also useful supports. OR, leaning against one of those things can provide additional stability at any shutter speed.
Finally, practicing good shutter release technique can be very helpful again at all shutter speeds. I recommend using an eye cup on the viewfinder to allow you to firmly press the camera to your face, supporting it firmly from the bottom, tucking your elbows into your sides to support them and then holding your breath as you gently depress the shutter release.
Take it light ;>)
Mark

ANSWER 3:

Hi Patrick,

As always, Mark is spot on. I do however offer one tip that could be helpful.
Procure a circular ladies make-up mirror. You can pop one out of an inexpensive compact from the dollar store. Using duct tape, mount the mirror squarely over the camera lens. Procure a flashlight that produces a good tight beam and place it on a mantel or dresser. Aim the flashlight at you and the handheld camera. The idea is to cause the mirror to reflect the flashlight beam and cast it on the wall adjacent to the flashlight. In other words, you see on the wall, a circular spot of light the origin being the mirror taped/camera.
Now practice pressing the shutter release (dry fire). Any movement or unsteadiness will be instantly revealed by movements and dancing of the spot of light. This technique is quite effective when teaching correct shutter release technique.
Practice will resolve this problem.
Best regards,

ANSWER 4:

Use your timer.
Or you can set your shutter to "burst" and fire off multiple frames. The movement of the camera will register on the first and last exposures (when you press and release the shutter). The middle frames will be sharpest.
Developing a good shutter release technique is an acquired skill.
(I like Alan's mirror trick).

ANSWER 5:

Patrick,
I'm a few years older than you and have noticed that I'm not as steady as I once was. My solution is to use a tripod more often, coupled with a remote shutter release.
Once you are in your fifties the abuses of our younger days start taking a toll, at least in my case, so we have to find ways to compensate for the problems. Of course, thoughts of something more serious than normal wear and tear on the body crop up on particularly bad days, but it's mostly just getting older smacking us around a little.
Jeff

3: Wedding Photography - CF Cards

I'm shooting my first wedding on my own. What would you suggest on the number of gb's I would need in a card or cards?

ANSWER 1:

What size files does your camera create (megabytes, not pixels)? Multiply by the number of photos you're likely to shoot (200? 500? 1000?).

ANSWER 2:

Hi Carolyn,
I use 4GB CF cards because after I download my Raw files to my Mac, I also burn the files to DVD which are also 4GB - so they are a nice match. I have (5) 4GB CF cards and a couple of older 2GB ones.
Shooting weddings requires lots of backups, like cameras, cards, lighting, etc. The last thing you want is to start a shoot and have something fail with no backup or lack of equipment to do the job. I have a backup camera, and carry both a 580EX & 430EX flash along with all my lenses, tripods & cards.
I rarely do weddings but do I bring everything with me when I shoot a wedding.
Good luck and hav fun!

ANSWER 3:

I would go with a bunch of 1GB or 2GB cards. A 8GB card would work fine but why take a chance on Murphy raising his ugly head? If a single card gets corrupted, with a 1 or 2GB card, not all is lost.

1: What Is a Topaz Filter?

I often admire images that say the photographer has used a Topaz filter. I have just bought Photoshop Elements 7 and was wondering: Is this filter included - as part of an action package?

2: Blurred Photos

I've read my manuel a bunch of times, and tried all kinds of different settings. When I've outside in full daylight my images are sharp. But when in an indoor arena or an outdoor one with lights, I get lots of blur. I feel liked I've tried everything (though I'm sure I haven't).