workshops Archives - Paterson Photography Ltd.

Camera Cards

February 18, 2019March 27, 2019 by Mike

Camera Cards – Are they archival?

Another thing that I am asked by a lot of people is “How archival are digital camera cards”? People wonder if they should fill up a camera card then store it and buy a new one. I was not sure so I contacted Sandisk and asked this question and the response is below.

Question:

How archival are your digital camera cards?

Answer:

Hello Mike, Thank you for contacting SanDisk Technical Support. It is our goal to make sure you have all the resources you need to get the most from your product. Let me assist you with your concern. The files/pictures can retain on the card for 10 years, without using the card again, meaning just for storing the card. If you are continuously using the card, like adding more and more pictures (when taking using the camera), please understand that there is no guarantee that those pictures will never going to be corrupted. Data corruptions on the card can happen any time on all storage device, (Cards, Flash drives, MP3 player, and including the Hard Disk drive). Should you have further concerns, please do not hesitate to reply to this message. Best regards, SanDisk Technical Support

So I would say that it is still the best practice to get the images off the cards. Shot, download then back-up and reformat the card. If you do want to keep the image on the cards I would still download and back-up. Then store the cards in a safe place like a safety deposit box or at a friends house.

Camera Cards Archival?

The biggest issue with digital media, unlike film, is that it does not fade. It just corrupts! So if you take a card out in ten years and it is damaged that is it.

Be Safe…. PRINT!

I still say that the best way in addition to backing up your images is to print them. When they are printed you are not relying on technology to keep your images viable. I scan more prints than I do negatives or slides as people can find their prints. It is not perfect but it is better to have something to look back on even if it is fading a little.

Printing services

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Adjust images in PhotoShop

March 11, 2019March 6, 2019 by Mike

Using layers to adjust images in Photoshop

I am often asked what is the best way to adjust images in Photoshop? So I thought it deserved a post on the blog to help you get the best images when editing.

Question: How do you do color and density corrections in Photoshop?

Answer: I use adjustment layers whenever possible. Why? If you use adjustment layers then save the file as a PSD you can go back and see what you have done. You can make small adjustments from the last place that you adjusted without starting over. And finally if you get one image looking great and you have a number of others that need the same adjusting then you can drag the adjustment layer to other images.

So how do I do this?

1 – Open your image

2 – Select Adjustment layer (see picture below)

Macro Photography Workshop

February 6, 2019January 5, 2019 by Mike

Do you want to learn how to improve your macro photography? Would you like to spend a few hours learning more about your camera to help you take macro images?

Do all this and more in the warmth of the studio!

January 12 2019 from 10am till 2pm I will be offering a Macro Workshop.

The workshop will start with some teaching on macro photography, then we will spend most of the time shooting several macro subjects that will be set-up around the studio. After the shooting we will take some time to critique each students work.

Limited to 12 students

Additional Courses

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Storm Chasing

February 6, 2019December 9, 2018 by Mike

If you want to learn how to take storm pictures for next summer, the winter is a perfect time to get some training before the storms hit.

Summer storm season

There is nothing like heading out when a powerful lightning storm is brewing to get some amazing images. But what do you need to know before you head out? This course goes through your camera settings and features to get great images. It also covers accessories that will make your photography more enjoyable. Then we will do some work with shooting fast action lights like lightning all in the warmth and dryness of the studio.

Caution around storms!

This course is not designed to train you on how to be safe in a storm. Very few courses can do that. Safety comes from a lot of studying. I strongly recommend reading up all you can about staying safe in a lightning storm. Few types of photography can be a deadly as lightning so be prepared and be careful!!!!

Click here to visit my teaching site

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Macro Photography Class

February 15, 2019December 6, 2018 by Mike

Purchase Macro Course

Do you want to learn how to improve your macro photography? Would you like to spend a few hours learning more about your camera to help you improve your images? This workshop is for you!!

The workshop starts with some teaching on cameras, equipment and technique. Then you will spend time shooting several macro subjects. After shooting I will then critique the work on the big screen advising how to improve your shooting and how to correct the images for the Internet and print..

Do all this in the warmth of the studio!

Cost $80 plus GST for 2 hours

More courses here

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Just Google it!

February 6, 2019May 23, 2018 by Mike

I hear so often about people that put all their faith in what Google tells them. If something is wrong they Google it. If they want to know how to do something they Google it. I do the same thing when I am stuck I do it with a lot of caution. It is not just Google that can be an issue it is any place that offers free information. Or FREE courses and classes.

The other day I listened to a guest on the radio tell about the pitfalls of listening to on-line results about medical diagnoses. He was saying how much someone can be messed up by the results. If you want to know how bad it is just Google something like “Red bump on arm” and see the results. Anything from a cancerous growth, to a steph infection, to a poisonous spider bite when all it was was a mosquito bite.