Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Question time...

Alright folks..I think it's time for a little question/answer session. I really do try an answer all of the questions I get through here..or email..but honestly..I just can't keep up...and often..I forget who I've answered..and who I haven't. I'm really not a rude girl..promise..and I do want to try and help when I can..so..post away..ask your questions.. regarding ..camera..lenses..processing..blogging..whatever...and then I'll sit down..and answer all of them..all at once. So if you've asked me something..and I never responded..I'm sorry..ask again...

And of course..can't post on a photo blog..without a few photos. Took my girls out this past weekend..just for fun...







37 comments:

Kristy said...

Hi, you don't know me, but I love your photos. What Lens do you use? Your girls (and little boy) are adorable.

Unknown said...

I read A LOT of blogs to learn about photography and get ideas (I’m not a professional, I just like to photograph my nieces and nephew) – and I have to say that your photos are the most AMAZING! Holy Cow, they are so crisp and clear! You are so talented! Do you use anyone’s actions or just do all of the photo editing yourself? I’ve purchased a few actions to play with, but haven’t found anything that “wows” me. Also, what camera do you use?

Abellina Portaits said...

Your daughter is very pretty, and very photogenic! I love your pictures. I figured out how to post the pictures larger, but still havent figured out the sharpening yet. But I bought a book on elements so I am sure if I play with it a little I will get it.
You poor thing with all the questions! Take it as a compliment, 'cuz you are good! ;)
I am going lens shopping this weekend. I am on a tight budget, so I was looking at the
70-300mm IS. My budget is $700. I dont know if you know anything about that lens, but I thought I'd ask. ;)

Megan said...

Kristy..I have four lenses that I use..85L, 24-70L, 70-200L 2.8, and the 35L. Of those my favorite hands down is the 85L..it's a bit pricey..but worth every penny!

Steph...I use the Canon 5D and as far as actions..not much of an action girl. I do 99% of it myself. I've found in the past, that I always end up tweaking them in some way..so why not just do it from the get go. I do have Nichole Van's and Detra's..and do use them a bit.

Snapmagic...as far as sharpening for web goes..I'm assuming we're talking for your blog here..after I do all of my processing..I resize the width no larger than 600 and then sharpen. Go to Filter-->Sharpen-->Unsharp Mask..Amount 500 Radius 0.1 and Threshold 0

Hope that helps a bit..keep them coming..

laura vegas said...

meagan, meagan!!! once again ... absolutely gorgeous photos! these are amazing! you and your daughters did an excellent job on these!

ok, so you use the 85 lens a lot. that's the one i use all the time, so i'm on the right track. lol!

the biggest thing i love about your photos is how sharp, clear, and crisp they are. your focus is dead on in every part of the picture that needs to be. any tips or advice on getting that look?

also, do you ever have to bribe your girls for photos? my girls give me such a bad time when i ask them to pose for me. lol!

Ginnie said...

megan you are going to be one busy woman answering all these questions. But here goes mine... How in the heck do you get those perfect, flawless skin and color tones!!!

Tracey Kendall said...

You are awesome girl and your new photos of the girls are stunning. They are simply BEAUTIFUL and l love the outfits...looks like your weather is great as well...super jealous.

My questions to you is......
Some of your photos look like they have been soften abit...especially the one of the blonde little girl that you did...is it me or are they abit softer. I love the look. The skin looks so smooth and soft. Just wondering what you are donin to them?

Love your stuff as always

Laura said...

Looks like you girls had fun taking pics. Love their clothing (especially the printed shoes and LOVE jacket). Stunning pics as always!!

Anonymous said...

OMG you do not know how long I have wanted to ask you questions!!! I love your work! One of my questions is the same as asked above how do you get the perfect skin and color tones? Also I have seen some of your work when you first started posting on ILP (how I found your blog) and see how far you have came, can you share with us any tips or suggestions on how to get from were you started to were you are at now? And no matter what picture you post the lighting always is so even, can you give us any tips on how you achieve that? Thank you soo much in advance!Jennifer

Nicole said...

You blog is awsome and your pictures are incredible. Thanks for answering everyones questions because we all seem to have the same ones. One question I have is how do you make your banners for your blog? I know it is a general question, but any advise or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Also I am interested in finding out how you came so far in photography also.

Michelle C said...

So stinkin' cute!!! As usual.

Adrienne said...

Love your blog too! Can't even remember now how I found your blog.... but your work is amazing!

I have one question..and you've answered this before, but if you can point me in the right direction that would be awesome.....................how do you make your pictures so big on blogger???

I look forward to reading all the responses to the questions before me toO!

Abellina Portaits said...

Megan~ One more question. My name is Mindy, by the way..:)
How do you stop the right click and save on your pictures? I have heard there is a way to do it, I dont know how though.

BizEMommaK said...

Megan ~ I've emailed you in the past with some questions all of which were answered right here in this post! It looks like alot of people had the same question I did, how you get your photos SO clear and crisp. I LOVE you work and visit your blog often. You are so talented:)

Jess said...

Wow megan look at you go. I'm so in love with these new ones.

Jess said...

So I do have a question. I can't get the softness on the skin in CS3 but was able too in elements. How are you doing it. Is it Portraiture that you are using?

Lisette Gibbons said...

How generous to offer your time to answer all these questions from envious blog readers... I think it's great by the way. The more knowledge, the better a photographer you'll be (or at least I hope). Anyway, do you use any actions? If so, which ones? How do you meter for correct exposure? What aperture do you use on the 85 mm lens? Beautiful pictures by the way. One last one, how did you get the reflection in the eyes of the girl in your blog post of January 31st so clean and crisp? Thanks :)

Michelle Jackson said...

Megan I am expecting in October and would love some tips on newborn photography.
Thanks a bunch
Michelle Jackson from KY
lovelycreations.blogspot.com

Megan said...

Running out now...but check back later..answers coming...PROMISE!

Brandon J said...

I have just recently discovered your website through my friend Shelley's (lasting impressions). You do an amazing job! Here are my questions:

I know this varies, but for your indoor shots, what do you normally put your f-stop, shutter speed and ISO at? Do you keep your white balance on auto or do you use other white balance settings?

Just like everyone else wants to know-how do you get those great skin tones?

And lastly, I have a Mac and my pictures on my blog look fine it, but I noticed when I look at my blog on my PC the pictures look terrible! I have been considering getting color calibration software (like Spyder2) . Do use a software program for that so your colors look the same for all your viewers and so your prints are "true"s well? If you do which would you recommend for a good price? Hopefully that last question made sense.

Unknown said...

Sorry, the previous post was me. I was accidentally logged in under my husbands name. Just didn't want you to think some crazy guy was on your blog. Sorry.

Megan said...

Laura..I use back button focus, center point..and usually focus on the left eye..and then recompose. I pay pretty close attention to my aps as well..making sure I'm not going to end up with one eye out of focus..very rarely do I shoot wide open..only if they are dead on..and as far as my girls..they moan and groan the entire time..and yes..I bribe them..this little shoot cost me a Webkin for each...

Ginnie..skin tones. I feel like I still struggle with skin tones, always wondering if it's warm..or cool..I shoot raw, and adjust my WB there..usually leaving the skin slightly cooler bc it’s much easier for me to warm it up..than to cool it down.

Tracey..one word..Portraiture..go buy it..now! I usually run it on a dup layer..and reduce to about 60%...

Jennifer..even lighting..I'm pretty aware of where I place my subjects..almost always look for open shade..and when I find it.. I bring them just to the edge of it. I usually try to shoot at that perfect time..here..it's between 4 and 6..but I know I need to get away from that. As far as progressing..I just read and read..practice and practice. If only you knew how clueless I am..there is just so much I still don't know..a never ending learning process I guess..

My blog banner..I don't make it..my good buddy Tina parker does..go check her out at My Lil' Creations..she's fabulous!

Adrienne..bigger pictures on blogger..see my post mid October..explains how to do it step-by-step..

Snapmagic..how to stop the right click save..ACK! I don't know..sorry..

Bizemommak.I think of my clarity has to do with the way I process. I have a few simple steps..that I follow each time. I've found in the past, the more I messed with them..the clarity was lost..IMO anyways..I just try to keep it simple..without over doing anything..

Jess..yep..portraiture!

Lisette..actions..not many..if ever Nichole Van's and I am a little in love with Chocolate Cactus actions. My camera is on center as far as metering and it stays there. I usually take s peek at my histogram an adjust if need..and in the end..I shoot RAW..so I can always adjust exposure there if needed. On the 85L..it opens up to 1.2..but I never shoot there..usually about 2.2--2.8..depending on what I’m shooting. The girl in the January 31st post..bb focus, left eye..that's it.

That is probably the most asked question I get..how do I get the eyes so sharp. I really have no idea....sorry...no big secrets. I want them to be the sharpest part of the image..so I really concentrate on making sure the focus is landing there..making sure I have great light in the eyes..will turn them in circles to find it..and really watching my aps..if the head is slightly turned, one eye will be oof..so I either choose a smaller ap.. or position myself so that I can shoot dead on..


Michelle..newborn photography..ACK..I have no clue. I have never shot a newborn..ever..sorry!

Laurie..indoor shots. I don't really have an answer for that one. It really does vary depending on the time of day..location in the house..what's going on outside..raining..as far as WB..I shoot RAW..so it's always in auto..and I adjust afterwards if need be.

I don't use any type of calibration..I know that what I see on my screen, probably isn’t what everyone sees on theirs..but when my prints come in, they are dead on..so no worries. I would suggest getting a few test prints and go from there...I was once looking at my blog on a friends computer..and almost died..the colors were horrible..and I wondered..what everyone else must see..but..I guess that's out of my hands..I just make sure my prints come back looking the way I see them..and then I'm good...

Whew..that took awhile..I hope I made sense..I'm sure I was rambling on..but I hope you all got a little from it..

Keep asking..and I'll keep answering..

Anonymous said...

Megan, thanks so much for the question and answer session! Your photos are amazing and you are truly an inspiration! I have a non-photography question...I am using a friend's daughters to build my portfolio and they LOVE the outfits your girls pick out for shots...where do you find most of their clothes?

laura vegas said...

thanks megan ... for taking the time to answer all these questions! for someone who claims to be "clueless" ... you seriously have the most amazing photos i've ever seen! good to hear that many of those things are things i'm doing ... so there's hope for me. although i'm guessing i'm going to have to actually learn about aperature?!?! lol!

love the idea of "paying" our model children with webkinz too! that could actually help!

Deb Hanna said...

megan,

I love your blog and your photography. I have a non-photography question that I have been dying to ask you. I was a camp counselor in connecticut in the late 80's and early 90's. there was a family from Hollywood Florida that were also counselors and campers, their last name was Rudolph. I am struck by the resemblance of your daughters to one of these women in particular. is there any chance you or your husband are related to the family I am referring to? sorry if this is totally bizarre but I have been so curious.

question #2, my sister and her family live in Gainesville- any chance you take paying clients?

Thank you for all of your tips and tricks. Your family is beautiful.

Deb (Singer) Hanna

Jess said...

Megan,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I know the time it takes. I get daily and I make it a point to answer them too when I have time.

Thanks

510Jen said...

You have answered all of my questions thanks. Your photographs are amazing. Where did you find the darling peticoat (sp?) for the girls. They are wearing them in numerous pics!

Jennifer said...

WOW, absolutely stunning! I love love love #2!!

Julie said...

Megan, thanks so much for answering all of these questions,I'm sure in some way you will get repaid for being such a wonderful person and sharing your info. you worked so hard to get on your own! Mine is a simple one- do you shoot in MF or AF? your pics are just so perfectly clear! Thanks again, you are truly an awesome giver!

Ginnie said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to do that. YOU ROCK!!

Megan said...

Cindy..clothes...gosh I get them everywhere..from boutiques to Target. I admit..I buy clothes just for photos..and often they never put them back on again..for example, the outfit Sayler has on here..Old Navy…the entire outfit was less than $25..including shoes..gotta love the clearance rack...

Deb..nope..not related to the family you're speaking..and yes, I take paying clients….although, Gainesville is a pretty good drive...not sure they would want to make the trip to Orlando :)

510jen..the petti's come from a company called Sam's..you need a tax idea number to place the order and the turnaround time is over 12 weeks..YIKES! They are a steal at only around $30..but the wait..ugh! Here is a link to another on-line retailer..they are a bit more…but..what's worse..the price, or the 3 month wait??

http://www.oopsydaisybaby.com/default.htm


Julie..when I first took my camera out of auto..I shot AF..and did so for a very long time..but now I shoot manual..and to be honest..I think I like AF better..less thinking on my part...

Robin said...

Wow! This is so sweet of you! Thanks for all of the answers and inspiration. Would you consider a workshop?
I didn't know you took paying clients. I'm off to book flights from OH...

Abellina Portaits said...

Geez, I feel so amature, and overwhelmed to all the info I still dont know.
I am trying to figure out what software I want to use. So I have been downloading free trials to test them out. I have Paint Shop Pro which I am not liking too much, and also Photoshop Elements. I use that one most so far, but now I am reading about (and currently downloading a trial) of the Photoshop CS3. I about fell over though at the price of that one! What one is your favorite?

Megan said...

I started wiht Elements...and that was fine for about a year, while I was learning the program..but now I use CS3...

Jeanie said...

oh goodie!!
just bought a rebel XTI and photoshop elements. Very beginner- I know- but this is definatley just a great hobby. questions...and thank you so much for your help!!
-how do you do the black vignette edge around alot of your pictures?
-any place you would recommend for great tutorials?
thanks!

Team Design-Bytes said...

I haven't been here in awhile... MY oh MY I've missed some beautiful shots! I really really like your new blog banner too, awesome in fact!
-Kaz

Tiffany said...

For all that there is... you know they are all gorgeous!!! I love the curly hair!!!!I love Dee's actions!!! Megan, you know how I adore your work!!!