I began my journey in photography nearly 20 years ago as a thought experiment that…
If you follow me on my Facebook page, you know I do a regular Q+A day where I answer questions related to photography and creativity. I enjoy helping as many as I can, and sharing everything I’ve learned along this creative journey I’ve been fortunate to enjoy for so long. When I don’t know the exact answer, it reminds me we’re all students and that keeps me motivated to continue to learn and share.
Tomorrow will be the last Q+A session of the year on Facebook, but I also wanted to extend it to all of you here as well. So please leave any questions you have about photography, gear, fine art printing, Lightroom, creativity, business and social media, and whatever else you’d like me to answer in the comments below. And if you prefer Facebook, you can leave questions there as well.
I’ve got lots of exciting things planned for 2015, including a major announcement soon about a new resource for creative photographers and artists – you can get a sneak peek here. Thanks as always for your support – I’m always grateful.
Would you please comment on the virtues (or lack thereof) of DSLR replacements such as the Olympus em1 vs rangefinder cameras such as the Olympus Pen EP-5. As far as I can tell the sensor, stabilization, etc are identical, so why is the EM1 considered a “pro” body vs the EP-5 a hobbyist body?
Hi Jeffrey, I think the distinction between “pro” and “hobbyist” is a shallow one at best given the creative potential that all of these cameras have. How do you determine which creates more “pro” images? Does such a thing exist? Of course not, and I for one am tired of the marketing that companies use to persuade you that one camera is better than another.
What is true is that you should choose what you need based on what you want ti accomplish. The OM-D series offer some advantages over the PEN series, namely weather sealing and a viewfinder. IF you need these, then go for the OM-D. Th Pen have some advantages as well, namely ergonomics and handling – the retro style. They both deliver similar quality given the same the same sensor, so it becomes a matter of preference.
As to mirrorless being a DSLR replacement, I don’t see it that way for me. I need the strengths of each and so use both. You may not need the strengths of one of the other. Both categories are capable of delivering outstanding results, and I strongly believe mirrorless will dominate in the near future.
As I’ve said many times in the past, forget labels and choose what you need to be as creative a photographer as possible.
Thank you, sir. Appreciate the input!
Good morning, Robert. I have two questions regarding preparing your calendar for print.
1. Do use outlines for the text?
2. Do you modify any of the setting in the PDF Preset from Copy Craft/Slate Group?
Thank you in advance for your response. Wishing you Happy Holidays, and a Prosperous new Year!
1) I do not, since it’s strictly text, and I want to keep it editable. If it was a logo or other graphic made of text, then I would convert to outlines.
2) I do not. It works really well, and I’ve been happy with the results. I DO soft proof and convert the images to CMYK in Photoshop before exporting to InDesign.
Hope that helps, and have a great holiday as well!
Robert, thank you very much for the information and your prompt response. I read your blog entry, ” How I Make and Sell My Yearly Calendar,” and everything was clear to me, except for the questions you responded to.
Robert if I am outsourcing printing to mpix do I need to calibrate my apple lap top and NEC monitor (P241W) with colormunki or is that just necessary when printing to my Epson printer?? Does one need to calibrate both the apple lap top which is operating LR5 or just the NEC monitor. Also do you have any “favorites ” for outsourcing prints to ; Costco? mpix? Whitehouse? Also do you feel that learning fine art printing using ones own printer, I own an Epson R3000 will bring a qualitatively different level to me as a developing photographer or should I focus more on photography and outsource my printing?
Your thoughtful comments and recommendations have always been much appreciated
May you and your family have a most happy, healthy and uplifting Holiday
Max
Hi Max, yes you must calibrate all of the monitors you plan on using to edit your photos regardless of whether you print or not. Again the purpose is to standardize your viewing environment and guarantee some degree of consistency between monitors and anyone else you share your work with.
I have used and recommend whcc.com for outsourcing your printing. Consistent results and decent pricing.
As for printing your own work, I’m biased in the sense that I do think printing helps your photography in that it makes you more sensitive to all of the technical and aesthetic aspects that go into making print worthy images. It also provides more creative control and interpretation which may be something you enjoy – not everybody does. So it’s a personal decision. For me and my work it’s mandatory.
Hope that helps,
RR