MY COMPLETE SHOOTING TECHNIQUE --> www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle Hi Everyone, I'm headed out to the mountains for 6 days, see you Next Tuesday! PS: Leave me a comment below of something you want to learn next. I have a big list for future videos. Enjoy, Dave
Just stumbled on your series ... this is the first that I have watched. I found your explanations and the way you described your thought processes and the principles that you are applying exceptionally clear and interesting. As TheJarrad posted earlier ... it would have been great to see the final image that emerged from this. Did you get round to taking a shot of the tree with the canyon wall fully lit in sunlight behind it? I think that would have made an exceptional composition. Learned a lot from this. Thank you. EDIT: OK, now I have read through more comments and more of your replies, I can see that your 'workflow' means you don't get round to serious editing until months after you've taken a shot ... so posting the final image with a video just isn't feasible. Maybe you could throw in a round-up video every few months showing how the images finally turned out, reminding us briefly of how you took the shot(s), and maybe commenting on what went well and what you might do differently given the opportunity again? Hey ... I know you're not seriously into video production for it's own sake, so it's just a thought.
Hi David. I really like your idea of the review a few months later, for the images in the videos, then linking back to the videos. It's really a fantastic idea. I'll integrate that into one of my future videos, when I release new photos. Thank you! PS: I did shoot the tree under full light, but the light wasn't as good as the day of the video. It's okay:)
Another great lesson! I would like to see the focus stacking video next along with a video on how you blend the three images from this video. I am also interested in seeing your “house” later. Thanks!
Thanks Dave. I recently have discovered your videos in RUclips. I can't Thank you enough fo the most relevant, practical and educational photography videos I have ever seen in RUclips which have been enriched with your pure first-hand personal field experience.
I gotta say that your videos are some of the most relevant and helpful that I've seen. I particularly like the level of detail that you go into regarding what and why you do what you do. Keep up the great work Dave.
Enjoyed the walk-through on your methodology on this exposure bracketing. Would like to see how you blend them but will also look at your video library for that. Ramen, veggies, and peanut butter pairs well with the great outdoors!
Thanks Jon. I don't have my blending techniques on my website as of now. In the future there will be material:) I am working on a complete 14 hour photo editing course which will cover all these techniques in extreme detail. You have good tastes in food!
Great video Dave! I think you have a good way of explaining things. I think seeing the end result of your process would be great. Not necessarily what you did in photoshop to get there because there are a ton of videos on that but the end result of your hard work would be cool
I've been exposure blending for a long time and never thought about looking at the edges of leaves like that. I usually just bang off a few brackets and call it a day but you are correct in saying that isnt the best way to do it. Most of the time there isnt a huge rush anyways. Gotta slow it up.
haha! FLASH FLOODS! They are no joke. 5 days of clear skies under really high pressure, 100 miles in all directions. All Good! It also really depends on the size of the wash you're in. That's a huge canyon.
Thanks so much Dave for this great tutorial. I would love it if you would do a video on different metering modes. When and how to use which one. That is if you haven't made one before. If you can in that case let me have the link. Take care!
You're welcome. I only use 1 mode, ever, center weighted average, with the widest possible average diameter setting. All of my tutorials are contained on this page, if you're ever looking for something:) www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html
Dave another really informative episode and again the style and approach to sharing your technique makes this series a much see again for me. You have made me revisit my approach and looking back at some of my recent outings and images has made me realise the areas for improvement for the next time I get out and about. Certainly would like to see the photo stacking vlog to compliment the other releases to date. Enjoy the mountains
Hi Dave, Love your videos! Downloaded all the manuals from your website and studied them. Page by page i am wondering how amazing it is. It had to take so much effort and time to write them. They are super technical and detailistic. And you gave them for free... it is unbelieveable. I highly suggest everyone to get them too. As a next episode I would love to see the one for compression
Great tips, I usually shoot a lot of 3 shot bracketed images and then blend them together, basically using a spray & pray mentality. I'm going to try your methods from now on from surveying the scene before shooting to getting a good exposure using the histograms. Thanks
Do you mean +/- automated exposure bracketing? I'm using exposure compensation in the video. The goal is to capture the exact data you need for the shot without guessing and taking extra images. Automated exposure bracketing is a guess. It will work sometimes and fail other times. When i get back from a shoot I know that I have the correct exposures on my card, without a bunch of extra bracketed images. Most of the time I only use a single exposure -- > ruclips.net/video/BtExFWacuZ4/видео.html I'd recommend reading this, it will make things clear on the science of pixels and exposure: www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle There are also a bunch of other videos on my channel to help out here: www.davemorrowphotography.com/landscape-photography-journals
Hi Linda. Thanks for letting me know you're interested in the topic! I'm working on a 14 hour photo editing fundamentals course, which will come out in the coming months. It will cover luminosity masks and blending as one of the topics. I'll also put up some basics on youtube as well.
You're a Landscape Photography Zen Master! I've shot bracketed before. I knew why I was shooting bracketed, but I don't think I ever really planned for how to use them in post. I just assumed having the metered exposure, and then a +1/-1 would make everything fall perfectly in place. Nope. I will be using these tips for all my High Dynamic Range situations from now on. These lessons are opening my eyes (and brain) to so much. I can't thank you enough. My vote for the next LPJ would be your Focus Staking Technique.
I thought I would also throw out another future episode suggestion. Maybe a night photography shooting/planning tutorial. I know the concept behind twilight landscapes (pre-dawn/astronomical twilight), but would like to get some tips and tricks.
Hey Gary, my photo backlog is about a year in delay, working on photos from late 2017 right now. Always out backpacking more than editing so hard to keep up. You can find all the latest published stuff here: photos.davemorrowphotography.com/Latest-Work
Some of the new Panasonic models (even some point and shoots and super zoom cameras like the FZ80) have focus stacking built in, no software needed. I would love see to professionals show us these techniques but on everyday cameras.
Really? Why not make it your reality, instead of just a dream? What are your biggest struggles with making it a reality? Im just looking for ways that I can create helpful videos for others that want to do photography full time, so I'm interested in your thoughts:)
Howdy, I first learned on film (Ektachrome} and then the light meter renders everything to middle gray {18%?} bracketing was more about insurance that you got a usable image. Now I am trying to learn with a 5D Mark iii (makes bracketing easier) is the camera meter still underexposing highlights and overexposing shadows to make everything zone V ..in a "if your a hammer everything starts to look like a nail approach?
It would be great if there was a cable release with function to change exposure setting so I would not touch my camera. I would also appreciate option to shoot bkt in custom setting .... for example -2 / -1 / +0,3 or any other exp. compensations
This is all great stuff Dave... I no sooner think my way is the only way and you come up with some excellent alternatives! I really appreciate how you utilize the histogram along with knowing in advance what you will be doing in post to blend the images together... I shoot with crops, but most if not all that you are demonstrating by example still applies imho... Thank you, Bill Farr... :-) PS:...I SUBSCRIBED!!
Hey Dave, thank you for your hard work. Just watching this Exposure Bracketing video (E7) I couldn't help but notice a background @ 16:43 as you were recording. . The rock in the background behind you was killer!
P.S I appreciated the part about blending, and not making difficult blends for yourself. I did a sky replacement or maybe it was just masked and had exposure lowered, but the tree ended up looking like it was being electrocuted? got to figure that blending business.
Hi Dave. First - a great video tutorial about exposure metering and colour range. I used these specific methods for years before digital cameras were mainstream. Yes, 35 roll film. Today there is HDR (High Dynamic Range) software on cameras that (basically) complete this whole process with one click of a button, and save as a RAW file to allow further editing on Photoshop. So what of those to options provides actual results in a print that has a better quality of light and dynamic range visible ?
Hi Dave, I would have to agree with one of the viewers below that I have often taken the approach to activate bracketing and then "Spray and pray!" There are lots of takeaways in your videos and the for me, the big one is to not rush so much and take time to really explore the scene. Watching your bracketing video is inspiring because you detailed out very specifically the "how and why" you took control of your scene and not allowed the camera to make all the choices for you. Excellent work. When you go out on these little excursions, how many keeper images do you come away with?
Glad to hear it Dan. Usually on a 2 month trip, living outside, and shooting everyday, I might get 10 images I love, and 30 total that I'll post to my portfolio. There is a huge margin on both sides though. Some trips way less, some way more. That's what's so much fun about backpacking and traveling by foot, no matter what, I can get my 15 miles in for the day and I feel an accomplishment.
Excellent video Dave! One tip you mentioned is really important, and that relates to not blowing out the red channel when you're exposing for the highlights. Having learned the hard way, I know now to make sure that I double-check that before tripping the shutter. Thanks for the good information!
When you change your zoom to get the foreground sharp don't you change the perspective? how does that act in post? is it negligible and can be corrected?
Well, I will add my voice to the accolades here... I love your videos, the topics, the locations and the way you explain things is all very enjoyable to watch! It makes my time on the exercise machine go by in a snap. Carry on! :)
Thanks Lori! Anything you want to learn in a future video? Also, have you tried trail running? That's the only way I can run for hours and have it go by quickly... just a thought!
Question about setting up the AE-L/AF-L to use as "lock" focus instead of shutter button. I have Nikon 610 so I only have the AE-L/AF-L. I have used this technique for a few years now. However, I have used in the AF-on setting. From your demonstrated 3 shot blending technique, each of the 3 shots will also have a locked exposure. Hence, I should change my AE-L/AF-L setting to AE/AF lock not just AF. Am I understanding this correctly? Also, this setting is more for non-movement oriented landscape shots, hence the AF should be set to S (single) versus a movement oriented shot (animal) when the setting should be C (continous). Thank you for your clarification. Your technique has opened my thinking in new ways. Thank you.
You don't need to lock. Shooting aperture priority mode locks the exposure with whatever your set value of EV is. Technical details here -- www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle
Dave, your videos and guides are a lifesaver. I just turned 72 - have a degree in Art (Photography) from the film days - 35mm, 2 1/4, and 4x5. I got into digital about 4 years ago and have struggled - about to retire, I added to my Sony A6000 with an A7R4 and am a bit overwhelmed. Discovering your website and RUclips channel have been a blessing...I am starting to believe I can go back out like the old days and create "art" without worrying about settings etc because of your methods - thank you!
You're welcome! Glad it's helping you out buddy. There is a lot more stuff on my email list if you're interested: www.davemorrowphotography.com/free-video-series
Dave, loved the video and explanation. A bit worried about your tent location. Definitely don’t pitch down there in those washes. Even though the sky looks good, a thunderstorm a hundred miles north could fill that wash with a flash flood in the blink of an eye. Best to pitch on high ground when backpacking around southern Utah.
Glad you liked it. I'm not at all worried about it. Spent years of my life hiking in the sw. I wouldn't worry about camping in a short wash, where you're within a few miles of the headwater and can track the weather. You'll know if the weather turns anywhere upstream. Sleeping in a canyon that comes from 50 miles away is dicey, because there is a huge drainage basin covering hundreds or thounsands of square miles, so you won't know if the weather has turned upstream. If you're hiking in a long canyon, sleep in one of the short side canyons at higher elevation. It's all about the size of the drainage basin and it's proximity to you. Hiking the Hayduke there are many stretches where you need to sleep in canyons, and you have to get good at reading drainage basins and their danger. Flash floods are a danger, but you can mitigate most of it with camp selection.
What a great video But more importantly, what a great teacher, Dave you bring the "how" but most importantly, you bring the "why" And make us think and learn - how to bring our skills to the next level Next video? Stacking, twilight shots, photo gear, computer choice, What ever you choose, i am sure it will be informative, keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for letting me know what you would like to learn. It's a big help. As an ex-aerospace engineer the WHY is engrained in my soul haha:) There should never be a how, without asking why, at least 5 times first.
Great video Dave, love the way you teach makes it all come together easily In fact congratulations on this last couple of videos in this series, over the past few weeks they have helped me immensely huge Thank You !
This video is the perfect example for my question: I always have problems when I try to take pictures with 3 different exposures and I have as a subject of my photos trees or plants. In post production i've always problems for the sharpness and contrast of the leefs (they move a bit even with a lillte wind) . Do you have some advice? thanks and my compliments for your tutorials!
Thanks for your clear explanations of how exposure bracketing works. Also, thanks for the link for Night Sky Photography! Do you have any videos on macro-photography?
I appreciate your demonstration of techniques to deal with harshly lit subjects, but the highly processed, blended result must in the end look pretty much like the excess application of HDR techniques that it is. The problem here is that the scene is badly lit. No amount of processing is going to correct for terrible subject lighting.
Hi Dave Well thought out Did you realise that the nikon histogram screen showing 4 different histograms gives the histogram of the visible image rather than the full frame image. If you want a more precise histogram of a part of an image ie the leaves zoom in in this view to fill the LED screen to show just leaves. You will see the histogram change as you zoom in Thanks
Thanks James. My life is a workflow;) Yup, it shows a JPEG histogram, which is rendered from the RAW image file, so a large amount of info is removed. I like the zoom trick as well, but can't say I use it often.
Another awesome video Dave! I too would love to see your post processing on these images. And of course, all the stuff you travel with! And the food?? Ramen and peanut butter?? LOL Anyway... I was doing some research on my camera after watching your previous videos (where you meter with live view histogram) and unfortunately, not all cameras have live view histograms (unless you know something I don't). I only have a D7100 and it does not have that feature. I guess I'll just have to shoot first and adjust for the histogram after the fact, until I can upgrade. Maybe the D810 will come down in price now that the 850 is out?! :) I will definitely be using your tips when shooting HDR images. I've only just learned how to use the cameras automatic bracketing system for exposure bracketing this past year. But like you said, it will be much better if I choose the settings myself. I suppose it would be even more beneficial on a lesser performing dynamic range camera, such as the one I have. You're making me think about what I'm doing and I love that. Rather than someone just saying which settings to use, or showing us which settings they're using. I recently posted an article from "National Parks At Night" (a workshop tour company) to our camera club's Facebook site about that. Its called "Own Your Settings". Basically instead of asking which settings to use, just shoot and figure it out. Use the knowledge you have to figure out what will work best. That's how you learn. That's how I learn best. Anyway, you replied to my last comment on your last video and wished me luck on my trip. We shot sunrise over a surf and some beach rocks (very rare in Florida) and I got a killer shot (actually while using the automatic exposure bracketing system). Right after the third shot fired I was hit with the remnants of that wave. Got it all on camera. It was awesome. (Yes, had the rain gear on my camera and a CPL on the lens). Wish I could upload a photo to show you, but i'm sure you have several of your own just like it. Thank you again for being such an inspiration to me and a great teacher!
Happened upon your videos and have found them VERY useful. Keep up the good work. It is much appreciated by those of us who want to learn and improve. Cheers, Doug
thanks for your videos Dave.. since you`ve asked, I`d like to see your approach in the field for shooting photo for focal length blend. thanks a lot again, cheers!
Great video Dave, but i really wanted to see the final image, and if possible the edit process too. This way the video would be epic! It really disapointing to see the whole video, and not see the end result.
Usually, I wait 6-12 months to edit photos from a trip, so I know that I like them. Just finished the early 2017 images here, if you're interested:) photos.davemorrowphotography.com/Latest-Work
Dave, your straight-forward, no-nonsense explanations are an absolute joy. What I really like is your step-by-step approach, explaining what you're doing and why and then showing us the final product, you've really opened my eyes as to how good my photography can be so many thanks. When are you coming to Australia, I'll do a trek or two with you?
Great video - again. Well done. Where do you get the money? These videos are free, as are the downloads. Your vehicle and gear isn't at the bottom end of the market! I haven't found a donate button (hint hint) Couple of questions (1) will you show the photos being blended / merged in the future? (2) If you re-focused on tree and foreground, why not focus on the face of the canyon? Wouldn't that have been better than using hyperfocal distance? I'd like to see focus stacking in the future - you have covered it in the past I know.
Your way of bracketing makes sense. I'm in Mesa, Arizona. Big problem is the desert trees with bright Sun behind. The leaves and branches many times look unnatural with a large glow on the edges. Thank you for showing and explaining how to bracket correctly.
Another great video, thanks. My 6D Mark II doesn't have the dynamic range your Nikon has so I'm often bracketing landscape shots, usually with 5 shots, and then merging them in Lightroom or ON1 Photo RAW 2018. This seems to be working good for me as a hobbyist photographer. (Plus I'm not very experienced with photoshop). Your videos, methods, and techniques are inspiring me though to up my photography game! Not sure I want to dive in to learning Photoshop and editing more than in Lightroom and ON1 though..... Hope you had some beef jerky and R&R rot gut with you on this latest trek! :)
Thanks Jim. I was running with Black Velvet, a close competitor in the low end whiskey market, found in great towns such as Blanding & Hanksville, Utah. Photoshop will change your life. It's the only reason I really enjoy post processing.
I've got Photoshop with my Lighroom subscription, reckon I ought to learn and use it since I'm paying for it. I actually know a little bit of basics in Photoshop, I just need to go for it! It's been a long time since I sipped a bit of Black Velvet!!!!! actually a great blend! Have a great week walking around and takin pics!
Nice. You should start experimenting. I'll do some photoshop vids in the coming weeks:) BV isn't bad at all. I'm headed outta here. Enjoy your week too, Jim.
Thanks for the detailed discussion of your thought process for setting up the photo; especially in the harsh desert light! I'd love to see your moon photos and your thoughts behind taking images in moonlight.
Hello Dave, Thanks for another amazing video! Your tips and advice are what most professional photographers keep to themselves. For a future video, I would like to see how you go about finding the right composition which is key to taking a great landscape photograph. Cheers!
Dave, you are the best. Would love to see the process you use to blend images, then focus stacking. Maybe a couple minutes touring the house...no offense...Thanks...Bruce
Great content! Thanks a lot! You are such a good teacher and I really appreciate that you show us your tricks! For next week my vote goes to focus stacking. Thanks man!
Nope. I usually wait 6 months to edit a shot, after a trip. Just got around to editing early 2017s "batch". This ensures I actually like the images. Here are my latest images, photos.davemorrowphotography.com/Latest-Work
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to put out these awesome videos. They have definitely helped me with my photography. If you are ever in northern Wisconsin try some whiskey from Great Northern Distilling. Looking forward to next weeks video. I'll vote for focus stacking.
I really like your approach to explaining how to properly expose in the field for proper color and sharpness and color, tone capture. You go beyond what others do in explaining, which is refreshing. I can only get better by watching techniques such as yours in field situations. I appreciate what you are doing.
Oh man, I have shot a ton of bracketed photos where the exposure for shadows is so bright it's unusable - it never occurred to me to look for the light transition lines - game changer. Thanks! I also love the tip to re-focus for the shadow exposure so you get a combo of exposure bracketing and focus stacking. Can't wait to give this technique a try.
MY COMPLETE SHOOTING TECHNIQUE --> www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle
Hi Everyone, I'm headed out to the mountains for 6 days, see you Next Tuesday! PS: Leave me a comment below of something you want to learn next. I have a big list for future videos.
Enjoy,
Dave
I really like your advice to take an exposure to make the blend easier. Great stuff my man!
Great to see you posting more regular content Dave, very informative and interesting videos.
Just stumbled on your series ... this is the first that I have watched. I found your explanations and the way you described your thought processes and the principles that you are applying exceptionally clear and interesting. As TheJarrad posted earlier ... it would have been great to see the final image that emerged from this. Did you get round to taking a shot of the tree with the canyon wall fully lit in sunlight behind it? I think that would have made an exceptional composition. Learned a lot from this. Thank you.
EDIT: OK, now I have read through more comments and more of your replies, I can see that your 'workflow' means you don't get round to serious editing until months after you've taken a shot ... so posting the final image with a video just isn't feasible. Maybe you could throw in a round-up video every few months showing how the images finally turned out, reminding us briefly of how you took the shot(s), and maybe commenting on what went well and what you might do differently given the opportunity again? Hey ... I know you're not seriously into video production for it's own sake, so it's just a thought.
Hi David. I really like your idea of the review a few months later, for the images in the videos, then linking back to the videos. It's really a fantastic idea. I'll integrate that into one of my future videos, when I release new photos. Thank you!
PS: I did shoot the tree under full light, but the light wasn't as good as the day of the video. It's okay:)
Another great lesson! I would like to see the focus stacking video next along with a video on how you blend the three images from this video. I am also interested in seeing your “house” later. Thanks!
Marvin, you've been in my house! I've also been in your rolling house haha.
Thanks Dave. I recently have discovered your videos in RUclips. I can't Thank you enough fo the most relevant, practical and educational photography videos I have ever seen in RUclips which have been enriched with your pure first-hand personal field experience.
I also appreciate the backcountry tips. Awesome stuff!
I gotta say that your videos are some of the most relevant and helpful that I've seen. I particularly like the level of detail that you go into regarding what and why you do what you do. Keep up the great work Dave.
Thanks Eric. I really appreciate that:)
Enjoyed the walk-through on your methodology on this exposure bracketing. Would like to see how you blend them but will also look at your video library for that. Ramen, veggies, and peanut butter pairs well with the great outdoors!
Thanks Jon. I don't have my blending techniques on my website as of now. In the future there will be material:)
I am working on a complete 14 hour photo editing course which will cover all these techniques in extreme detail. You have good tastes in food!
Great video Dave! I think you have a good way of explaining things. I think seeing the end result of your process would be great. Not necessarily what you did in photoshop to get there because there are a ton of videos on that but the end result of your hard work would be cool
I've been exposure blending for a long time and never thought about looking at the edges of leaves like that. I usually just bang off a few brackets and call it a day but you are correct in saying that isnt the best way to do it. Most of the time there isnt a huge rush anyways. Gotta slow it up.
Nice job and informative. Not sure I would pitch my tent in the bottom of a wash unless I really knew the weather.
haha! FLASH FLOODS! They are no joke. 5 days of clear skies under really high pressure, 100 miles in all directions. All Good! It also really depends on the size of the wash you're in. That's a huge canyon.
Very informative. Thanks for walking through the whole setup.
Great tutorial on exposure bracketing. Looking forward to the next video. Would love more on focus stacking.
Thanks so much Dave for this great tutorial. I would love it if you would do a video on different metering modes. When and how to use which one. That is if you haven't made one before. If you can in that case let me have the link. Take care!
You're welcome. I only use 1 mode, ever, center weighted average, with the widest possible average diameter setting. All of my tutorials are contained on this page, if you're ever looking for something:) www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html
Dave another really informative episode and again the style and approach to sharing your technique makes this series a much see again for me. You have made me revisit my approach and looking back at some of my recent outings and images has made me realise the areas for improvement for the next time I get out and about. Certainly would like to see the photo stacking vlog to compliment the other releases to date. Enjoy the mountains
Hi Dave,
Love your videos! Downloaded all the manuals from your website and studied them. Page by page i am wondering how amazing it is. It had to take so much effort and time to write them. They are super technical and detailistic. And you gave them for free... it is unbelieveable. I highly suggest everyone to get them too. As a next episode I would love to see the one for compression
Thanks. I give them for free because I like to do technical writing & learn. Really glad you enjoyed them:)
Great video. Thank you for sharing. I’ve learned a lot in the past couple of videos - more than I have learned from any other source. Thank you
hi dave, could you please do a blending video on the process you use to blend 2 or 3 images please.
Sure. I'll add it to my list of videos:) Thanks!
Great tips, I usually shoot a lot of 3 shot bracketed images and then blend them together, basically using a spray & pray mentality. I'm going to try your methods from now on from surveying the scene before shooting to getting a good exposure using the histograms. Thanks
Less images to sort when you get home, I forgot to mention that point. Best of luck, sir:)
Can you pls post your processed image? Would love to see how your technique improves over regular +/- exposure compensation
Do you mean +/- automated exposure bracketing? I'm using exposure compensation in the video. The goal is to capture the exact data you need for the shot without guessing and taking extra images. Automated exposure bracketing is a guess. It will work sometimes and fail other times. When i get back from a shoot I know that I have the correct exposures on my card, without a bunch of extra bracketed images. Most of the time I only use a single exposure -- > ruclips.net/video/BtExFWacuZ4/видео.html I'd recommend reading this, it will make things clear on the science of pixels and exposure: www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle There are also a bunch of other videos on my channel to help out here: www.davemorrowphotography.com/landscape-photography-journals
thanks for another great video, see you in July for the night sky course
Thanks. Will do! Get ready. I'm getting pumped up for summer:)
Thanks Dave, Great Video,
I have same tent :)
Thanks for this video. I agree with the others that some info on the blending would be nice.
Hi Linda. Thanks for letting me know you're interested in the topic! I'm working on a 14 hour photo editing fundamentals course, which will come out in the coming months. It will cover luminosity masks and blending as one of the topics. I'll also put up some basics on youtube as well.
You're a Landscape Photography Zen Master! I've shot bracketed before. I knew why I was shooting bracketed, but I don't think I ever really planned for how to use them in post. I just assumed having the metered exposure, and then a +1/-1 would make everything fall perfectly in place. Nope. I will be using these tips for all my High Dynamic Range situations from now on. These lessons are opening my eyes (and brain) to so much. I can't thank you enough.
My vote for the next LPJ would be your Focus Staking Technique.
VOTE RECORDED! That's great to hear. You'll have less images to deal with if you don't bracket, major upside as well:)
I thought I would also throw out another future episode suggestion. Maybe a night photography shooting/planning tutorial. I know the concept behind twilight landscapes (pre-dawn/astronomical twilight), but would like to get some tips and tricks.
Seconded on night photography. Thx.
www.davemorrowphotography.com/2015/01/scouting-planning-star-milkyway-nightsky-photography.html I don't yet have a shooting video as of now:)
Great video. Where is the final image of the tree and canyon wall?
Hey Gary, my photo backlog is about a year in delay, working on photos from late 2017 right now. Always out backpacking more than editing so hard to keep up. You can find all the latest published stuff here: photos.davemorrowphotography.com/Latest-Work
solid video man! would love to see you blend the images in post as well
Ramen, dried vegetables and PEANUT BUTTER. Whoa.
1,400 calories, SO GOOD!
I would like to 1) see the blending of the 3 and 2) focus stacking. Keep them coming, great videos Dave.
Hi Steve, Thanks for the vote on the video & the input. It's really valuable / helpful information for me:)
Some of the new Panasonic models (even some point and shoots and super zoom cameras like the FZ80) have focus stacking built in, no software needed.
I would love see to professionals show us these techniques but on everyday cameras.
I agree with Steve. The tutorial was great and now I'd like to see your workflow for putting the images together. Thanks much for sharing this, Dave!
You are living my dream.m
Really? Why not make it your reality, instead of just a dream? What are your biggest struggles with making it a reality? Im just looking for ways that I can create helpful videos for others that want to do photography full time, so I'm interested in your thoughts:)
I want to live like that..... 😂... Thanks for another great video... Cheers
You should! Anyone can. Design your ideal lifestyle, then build it everyday, never stop.
Love what you are doing !! How old are you and how long have you been doing this?
Another great video. What a life you lead.....i'm soo jealous :)
Thanks. It's all right there, just design the life you want, then start building:)
Good as always. I would like to know more about your gear for this kind of travel and also how do you plan and search for new locations.
Thanks again
Howdy, I first learned on film (Ektachrome} and then the light meter renders everything to middle gray {18%?} bracketing was more about insurance that you got a usable image. Now I am trying to learn with a 5D Mark iii (makes bracketing easier) is the camera meter still underexposing highlights and overexposing shadows to make everything zone V ..in a "if your a hammer everything starts to look like a nail approach?
Here ya go: ruclips.net/video/NQU4_CzvHLQ/видео.html & www.davemorrowphotography.com/aperture-priority-mode that covers full camera technique
It would be great if there was a cable release with function to change exposure setting so I would not touch my camera. I would also appreciate option to shoot bkt in custom setting .... for example -2 / -1 / +0,3 or any other exp. compensations
You don't need either and it works perfectly:) Been shooting without either for 8 years. Minimize gear at all costs, it breaks, then you're stuck.
Loving your tutorials. How and why you do what you do is explained beautifully . I am so glad i found your vlogs. Thanks again !
This is all great stuff Dave... I no sooner think my way is the only way and you come up with some excellent alternatives!
I really appreciate how you utilize the histogram along with knowing in advance what you will be doing in post to blend the images together...
I shoot with crops, but most if not all that you are demonstrating by example still applies imho...
Thank you,
Bill Farr... :-)
PS:...I SUBSCRIBED!!
Hey Dave, thank you for your hard work. Just watching this Exposure Bracketing video (E7) I couldn't help but notice a background @ 16:43 as you were recording. . The rock in the background behind you was killer!
P.S I appreciated the part about blending, and not making difficult blends for yourself. I did a sky replacement or maybe it was just masked and had exposure lowered, but the tree ended up looking like it was being electrocuted? got to figure that blending business.
Hi Dave. First - a great video tutorial about exposure metering and colour range. I used these specific methods for years before digital cameras were mainstream. Yes, 35 roll film. Today there is HDR (High Dynamic Range) software on cameras that (basically) complete this whole process with one click of a button, and save as a RAW file to allow further editing on Photoshop. So what of those to options provides actual results in a print that has a better quality of light and dynamic range visible ?
Good film and really enjoyed that. Some helpful tips on the bracketing. Noodles and peanut butter sounds interesting and maybe have to try it.
It's one of the best. Bring an onion & kale along to top it off. They usually last 2 days before going bad.
Hi Dave, I would have to agree with one of the viewers below that I have often taken the approach to activate bracketing and then "Spray and pray!" There are lots of takeaways in your videos and the for me, the big one is to not rush so much and take time to really explore the scene. Watching your bracketing video is inspiring because you detailed out very specifically the "how and why" you took control of your scene and not allowed the camera to make all the choices for you. Excellent work. When you go out on these little excursions, how many keeper images do you come away with?
Glad to hear it Dan. Usually on a 2 month trip, living outside, and shooting everyday, I might get 10 images I love, and 30 total that I'll post to my portfolio. There is a huge margin on both sides though. Some trips way less, some way more. That's what's so much fun about backpacking and traveling by foot, no matter what, I can get my 15 miles in for the day and I feel an accomplishment.
Excellent video Dave! One tip you mentioned is really important, and that relates to not blowing out the red channel when you're exposing for the highlights. Having learned the hard way, I know now to make sure that I double-check that before tripping the shutter. Thanks for the good information!
When you change your zoom to get the foreground sharp don't you change the perspective? how does that act in post? is it negligible and can be corrected?
Love what you do Dave. I practice as we go along and that makes the info ‘stick’.
Well, I will add my voice to the accolades here... I love your videos, the topics, the locations and the way you explain things is all very enjoyable to watch! It makes my time on the exercise machine go by in a snap. Carry on! :)
Thanks Lori! Anything you want to learn in a future video? Also, have you tried trail running? That's the only way I can run for hours and have it go by quickly... just a thought!
Question about setting up the AE-L/AF-L to use as "lock" focus instead of shutter button. I have Nikon 610 so I only have the AE-L/AF-L. I have used this technique for a few years now. However, I have used in the AF-on setting. From your demonstrated 3 shot blending technique, each of the 3 shots will also have a locked exposure. Hence, I should change my AE-L/AF-L setting to AE/AF lock not just AF. Am I understanding this correctly?
Also, this setting is more for non-movement oriented landscape shots, hence the AF should be set to S (single) versus a movement oriented shot (animal) when the setting should be C (continous). Thank you for your clarification. Your technique has opened my thinking in new ways. Thank you.
You don't need to lock. Shooting aperture priority mode locks the exposure with whatever your set value of EV is. Technical details here -- www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle
Dave, your videos and guides are a lifesaver. I just turned 72 - have a degree in Art (Photography) from the film days - 35mm, 2 1/4, and 4x5. I got into digital about 4 years ago and have struggled - about to retire, I added to my Sony A6000 with an A7R4 and am a bit overwhelmed. Discovering your website and RUclips channel have been a blessing...I am starting to believe I can go back out like the old days and create "art" without worrying about settings etc because of your methods - thank you!
You're welcome! Glad it's helping you out buddy. There is a lot more stuff on my email list if you're interested: www.davemorrowphotography.com/free-video-series
Dave, loved the video and explanation. A bit worried about your tent location. Definitely don’t pitch down there in those washes. Even though the sky looks good, a thunderstorm a hundred miles north could fill that wash with a flash flood in the blink of an eye. Best to pitch on high ground when backpacking around southern Utah.
Glad you liked it. I'm not at all worried about it. Spent years of my life hiking in the sw. I wouldn't worry about camping in a short wash, where you're within a few miles of the headwater and can track the weather. You'll know if the weather turns anywhere upstream. Sleeping in a canyon that comes from 50 miles away is dicey, because there is a huge drainage basin covering hundreds or thounsands of square miles, so you won't know if the weather has turned upstream. If you're hiking in a long canyon, sleep in one of the short side canyons at higher elevation. It's all about the size of the drainage basin and it's proximity to you. Hiking the Hayduke there are many stretches where you need to sleep in canyons, and you have to get good at reading drainage basins and their danger. Flash floods are a danger, but you can mitigate most of it with camp selection.
What a great video
But more importantly, what a great teacher,
Dave you bring the "how" but most importantly, you bring the "why"
And make us think and learn - how to bring our skills to the next level
Next video? Stacking, twilight shots, photo gear, computer choice,
What ever you choose, i am sure it will be informative, keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for letting me know what you would like to learn. It's a big help.
As an ex-aerospace engineer the WHY is engrained in my soul haha:) There should never be a how, without asking why, at least 5 times first.
Great video Dave, love the way you teach makes it all come together easily
In fact congratulations on this last couple of videos in this series, over the past few weeks they have helped me immensely huge Thank You !
Hi Maryan. That's awesome. Glad they have helped. If you get a chance share with your photographer friends:) Enjoy the week & you're welcome.
This video is the perfect example for my question: I always have problems when I try to take pictures with 3 different exposures and I have as a subject of my photos trees or plants. In post production i've always problems for the sharpness and contrast of the leefs (they move a bit even with a lillte wind) . Do you have some advice? thanks and my compliments for your tutorials!
Thanks so much, Dave! I spend most of my time photographing in canyons in the Four Corners area, so seeing how you do it is very helpful!
Nice, that's great. The southwest is my second home, 3-4 months of the year. So addicting.
Thanks for your clear explanations of how exposure bracketing works. Also, thanks for the link for Night Sky Photography! Do you have any videos on macro-photography?
You're welcome. I don't. Landscapes are all I do.
I appreciate your demonstration of techniques to deal with harshly lit subjects, but the highly processed, blended result must in the end look pretty much like the excess application of HDR techniques that it is. The problem here is that the scene is badly lit. No amount of processing is going to correct for terrible subject lighting.
Lots of speculations... Any facts or data you want to use to back that up? I'll talk real numbers and outcomes all day.
I have a D750 with bracketing function, which works for HDR... I have a confusión do we changed the aperture to let more light or the EV? Thanks.
www.davemorrowphotography.com/exposure-triangle
Hi Dave
Well thought out
Did you realise that the nikon histogram screen showing 4 different histograms gives the histogram of the visible image rather than the full frame image. If you want a more precise histogram of a part of an image ie the leaves zoom in in this view to fill the LED screen to show just leaves. You will see the histogram change as you zoom in
Thanks
Thanks James. My life is a workflow;) Yup, it shows a JPEG histogram, which is rendered from the RAW image file, so a large amount of info is removed. I like the zoom trick as well, but can't say I use it often.
Quick truck tour, then on to focus stacking please.
Another awesome video Dave! I too would love to see your post processing on these images. And of course, all the stuff you travel with! And the food?? Ramen and peanut butter?? LOL Anyway...
I was doing some research on my camera after watching your previous videos (where you meter with live view histogram) and unfortunately, not all cameras have live view histograms (unless you know something I don't). I only have a D7100 and it does not have that feature. I guess I'll just have to shoot first and adjust for the histogram after the fact, until I can upgrade. Maybe the D810 will come down in price now that the 850 is out?! :)
I will definitely be using your tips when shooting HDR images. I've only just learned how to use the cameras automatic bracketing system for exposure bracketing this past year. But like you said, it will be much better if I choose the settings myself. I suppose it would be even more beneficial on a lesser performing dynamic range camera, such as the one I have.
You're making me think about what I'm doing and I love that. Rather than someone just saying which settings to use, or showing us which settings they're using. I recently posted an article from "National Parks At Night" (a workshop tour company) to our camera club's Facebook site about that. Its called "Own Your Settings". Basically instead of asking which settings to use, just shoot and figure it out. Use the knowledge you have to figure out what will work best. That's how you learn. That's how I learn best.
Anyway, you replied to my last comment on your last video and wished me luck on my trip. We shot sunrise over a surf and some beach rocks (very rare in Florida) and I got a killer shot (actually while using the automatic exposure bracketing system). Right after the third shot fired I was hit with the remnants of that wave. Got it all on camera. It was awesome. (Yes, had the rain gear on my camera and a CPL on the lens). Wish I could upload a photo to show you, but i'm sure you have several of your own just like it. Thank you again for being such an inspiration to me and a great teacher!
Happened upon your videos and have found them VERY useful. Keep up the good work. It is much appreciated by those of us who want to learn and improve. Cheers, Doug
That's great, Doug. Thank you. Cheers to you:)
thanks for your videos Dave.. since you`ve asked, I`d like to see your approach in the field for shooting photo for focal length blend. thanks a lot again, cheers!
You're welcome. Cool! Thanks for letting me know, Milos.
Great video Dave, but i really wanted to see the final image, and if possible the edit process too. This way the video would be epic! It really disapointing to see the whole video, and not see the end result.
Usually, I wait 6-12 months to edit photos from a trip, so I know that I like them. Just finished the early 2017 images here, if you're interested:) photos.davemorrowphotography.com/Latest-Work
Dave, your straight-forward, no-nonsense explanations are an absolute joy. What I really like is your step-by-step approach, explaining what you're doing and why and then showing us the final product, you've really opened my eyes as to how good my photography can be so many thanks. When are you coming to Australia, I'll do a trek or two with you?
Great video - again. Well done. Where do you get the money? These videos are free, as are the downloads. Your vehicle and gear isn't at the bottom end of the market! I haven't found a donate button (hint hint)
Couple of questions
(1) will you show the photos being blended / merged in the future?
(2) If you re-focused on tree and foreground, why not focus on the face of the canyon? Wouldn't that have been better than using hyperfocal distance?
I'd like to see focus stacking in the future - you have covered it in the past I know.
Nicely done with great explanations Dave!
Thanks Bob!
Your way of bracketing makes sense. I'm in Mesa, Arizona. Big problem is the desert trees with bright Sun behind. The leaves and branches many times look unnatural with a large glow on the edges. Thank you for showing and explaining how to bracket correctly.
Why don’t you sleep in your vehicle?
Another great video, thanks. My 6D Mark II doesn't have the dynamic range your Nikon has so I'm often bracketing landscape shots, usually with 5 shots, and then merging them in Lightroom or ON1 Photo RAW 2018. This seems to be working good for me as a hobbyist photographer. (Plus I'm not very experienced with photoshop).
Your videos, methods, and techniques are inspiring me though to up my photography game! Not sure I want to dive in to learning Photoshop and editing more than in Lightroom and ON1 though.....
Hope you had some beef jerky and R&R rot gut with you on this latest trek! :)
Thanks Jim. I was running with Black Velvet, a close competitor in the low end whiskey market, found in great towns such as Blanding & Hanksville, Utah. Photoshop will change your life. It's the only reason I really enjoy post processing.
I've got Photoshop with my Lighroom subscription, reckon I ought to learn and use it since I'm paying for it.
I actually know a little bit of basics in Photoshop, I just need to go for it!
It's been a long time since I sipped a bit of Black Velvet!!!!! actually a great blend!
Have a great week walking around and takin pics!
Nice. You should start experimenting. I'll do some photoshop vids in the coming weeks:) BV isn't bad at all. I'm headed outta here. Enjoy your week too, Jim.
You are the first person of all the u tube photography channels that actually teaches so one can understand. Thankyou
Thanks Scott, glad they videos are helping:) You're welcome.
Thanks for the detailed discussion of your thought process for setting up the photo; especially in the harsh desert light! I'd love to see your moon photos and your thoughts behind taking images in moonlight.
Hello Dave, Thanks for another amazing video! Your tips and advice are what most professional photographers keep to themselves. For a future video, I would like to see how you go about finding the right composition which is key to taking a great landscape photograph. Cheers!
thnks for this awsome video, good tips about bracketing. thumps up and keep on the good work
You're welcome buddy.
Dave, you are the best. Would love to see the process you use to blend images, then focus stacking. Maybe a couple minutes touring the house...no offense...Thanks...Bruce
I appreciate your thorough and methodical approach to explaining your techniques. It's extremely helpful.
This channel has quickly become my favorite on RUclips. Thanks for sharing the info.
are u planning on showing us the blending
Maybe, eventually:)
Great video! Careful setting up camp in a wash like that though.
Thanks. All depends on the drainage source and the weather:)
Focus stacking please
Very good thanks.
Great content! Thanks a lot! You are such a good teacher and I really appreciate that you show us your tricks! For next week my vote goes to focus stacking. Thanks man!
Nicely explained & informative, looking forward to seeing more of your adventures, be safe.
Dave, so for the second shot did you refocus? I know you did for the third one . Thank you. Ewelina
Super tutorial as usual, I would like to see how to blend these images in Photoshop as I dont use Lightroom..thanks for a great vlog...Martin
Very helpful, practical demonstration! Thanks!
Vote for the focus stacking technique. I'd also love to see how you blend these images you took here. Keep 'em coming!
i want buy a prime leans , i have a nikon D5300 please tel me which leans will be better for me
Why do you want to buy a prime lens?
is there a link to the finished shot anywhere? :)
Nope. I usually wait 6 months to edit a shot, after a trip. Just got around to editing early 2017s "batch". This ensures I actually like the images. Here are my latest images, photos.davemorrowphotography.com/Latest-Work
Really enjoyed the video, as usual 😊 I’d like to see round your travelling ‘house’ next week 😊
Great vid. As long as I get to see them all I don’t mind which one you post first.
thank you for this wonderful informative video. It looked as if I was there on the field and learning.
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to put out these awesome videos. They have definitely helped me with my photography. If you are ever in northern Wisconsin try some whiskey from Great Northern Distilling. Looking forward to next weeks video. I'll vote for focus stacking.
Hi Holly. You're welcome. Oh man, I'll stop by there for sure. Sounds like a good time:) Thanks for the tip.
Well done Dave. I hadn't considered exposing for a blending line like that before.
master!
Me also, would love to see the blending in action, Great video series, really helpful..
I really like your approach to explaining how to properly expose in the field for proper color and sharpness and color, tone capture. You go beyond what others do in explaining, which is refreshing. I can only get better by watching techniques such as yours in field situations. I appreciate what you are doing.
Glad to hear it Eugene. Thanks. Anything specific you want to learn?
No live view histogram on my d7200, BOO.
New subscriber here from Spain. I like your way of life!!
Oh man, I have shot a ton of bracketed photos where the exposure for shadows is so bright it's unusable - it never occurred to me to look for the light transition lines - game changer. Thanks! I also love the tip to re-focus for the shadow exposure so you get a combo of exposure bracketing and focus stacking. Can't wait to give this technique a try.
Let me know how it goes for you:)