Photography Tips - FAQ 1

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. As you saw in this video I'm starting to add quick links and they'll be in future uploads. This feature wasn't available until fairly recently which is why some of the older vids don't have them. You can always find the film i refer to by searching for it in our channel search box.

[@pointer2null]

That demo of zoomming back out while walking in was brilliant. It's one thing showing stills, but as Launa walked in you could see the boats slide away in the background. It's the small things like that which really bring home the message.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi John and thank you. We use professional Sony UWP series radio mics which is the little black thing clipped to my shirt in most of the videos. That's connected to a transmitter in my pocket which sends the signal to a receiver mounted on the camera (Sony XDCAM EX PMW-EX1) and connects via an XLR socket to the camera's sound system. The main reason we don't film with DSLRs is because it's not always possible to connect pro sound equipment to them.

[@tobybowers6990]

After almost 2 years with the "photography addiction", i find i've learnt more in the last 2 months since subscribing to your channel than the whole previous 2 years. Many many thanks, for this video and the rest.

[@tiffanylewis1595]

I really appreciate photographers who simplify photography in this way and require people to think about photography in a more personal way. All of his answers basically come down to, do what makes your pictures look good instead of worrying about rigid rules and requirements. There is just no one way to do most of the things we are concerned about. No one good lens type, no one good focal length. It's all about working with your camera and figuring out what works for your images.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Tiffany Lewis You are so right - there is not 'correct rule' in photography. There's only the things we tell the camera to do because we like the way it looks. :-)

[@tiffanylewis1595]

:)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Harry - I'll do my best. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Very hard not to get blown street lights. Maybe doing several exposures making sure the lights are not burnt out in the darkest one - then combining them as HDR. Or shooting at twighlight before it's fully dark. There will be a few minutes where the available light and street lights are roughly in balance. Shoot a minute or two after that and it should help.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Asad. I agree with you. There are advantages for FX as i said in the film but I kept it short on here. It all depends on the level you're shooting at. Most people who do it as a hobby just want to know how to take pics they're proud of and that can be done on a phone if they understand light and composition. I probably should have said something about that .....

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks - Lorna did a great job of that. Walking forward whilst zooming the lens out is not easy.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. This one was actually shot by Lorna (she's a model in lots of our vids) - it's her second go as camera woman.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Robert. FX is another way of saying 'full frame' so it applies to all makes.

[@MikeBrowne]

If you're just starting out then I do think it's a good idea because you'll have a huge range of focal lengths in one lens. However the image quality of superzooms is not usually very good at small apertures and full zoom. But it'll get you going and if you want to get better lenses later you can..

[@MikeBrowne]

Pleasure. It's a bit specialised and I'm not an expert with IR. (make a great film subject so will look into it) I Googled it and found this on PhotoTuts Plus . Com - Put your camera in live view and point a remote control at the lens and press a few buttons. If you notice a flashing red tinted light, your camera can capture IR light well. Search - An In-Depth Guide to Infrared Photography: Setup and Capture - and you should find the article.

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha Ha Jenny - I can imagine. You can always share the video on any forums you like posting a link to the page. I put a few noses out of joint with these opinions when I did a talk last week. 25% left at the break - but most of the remaining 75% came over and said they really enjoyed it. (which was a relief)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. I don't think there should be much difference. However light falls off as it travels so it's entirely possible a long lens barrel will reduce the amount of light that actually reaches the sensor. I've never thought about it to be honest because so long as you have great quality light and work with your ISOs, avoid camera shake etc it doesn't make any difference to the image.

[@MikeBrowne]

I've never tried editing on an ipad. I doubt it'll ever be as good as doing it on a computer in Photoshop because you have to calibrate the screen to make sure it's the right colour, and photoshop manages colour better than anything I've used. I just did a quick Google search and as far as I can tell iPad and iPhone screens cannot be calibrated with a calibration device. You can still use apps like Snapseed and Instagram to get some cool looking effects and tweaks though.

[@MikeBrowne]

Pleasure Jonathan. I use Exposure compensation most of the time too.

[@randalaltemus6691]

This clip was one of the first that immediately made me a fan of Mike. Just good practical information and easy to understand. Thanks Mike!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +Randal Altemus - MIKE

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

Agreed!!

[@markvandijk1891]

He Mike, absolutely love watching your videos! Great sense of humor, enthusiastic talker and lots of passion for what you do! Love it. Started my own interesest in photography from a biology background, and currently anxiously awaiting the return of my camera, which is undergoing some repairs. Still so much to learn and practise, and so much I want to try.

[@johnferrett9302]

Filmed in Christchurch 😊 where I grew up. Such a perfect spot to answer so many burning questions so quickly. Another great film Mike, thank you

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks john Ferrett - MIKE :-)

[@01banksjon]

oh Wow its sooo refreshing to Not here - "use manual mode, use manual mode" "your not a photographer if you don't shoot in manual" I use aperture priority most of the time, but hop in to Manual when I want to do 'funny things' but I have to say exposure compensation does a lot for me when I need to save a fair bit of faffing about swapping to manual, checking the meter then changing my shutter speed/aperture. Thanks for the videos Mike, they have been Really Helpful!!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Awesome analogy - I'd love to use it in another film some time. Thank you.

[@PostColorGear]

Mike, amazing video. I admire your outlook on the whole experience of photography and in my mind, it's absolutely logical. People get too wrapped up on "this brandy new camera can do this, that, and the other thing" when, as you said, with a decent body and lenses, knowledge, and creativity....you can have amazing pictures and not break the bank. Well explained!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Spot on - it's Christchurch.

[@J0J0MIA]

Definitely one of the most answers out there. I'm still using my trustee D300s and it does the job - weddings, night shots, sports, portraits, etc. If the end result is good, then it probably is.

[@paulmole1960]

Priceless Mike - sticky tash - love it. Love your videos too - Cheers Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +Paul Mole - MIKE

[@KurzawaJakub]

Mike, great teaching, I like you and your style of expression. These videos are very professional. Thank you for your time. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Poland!

[@MikeBrowne]

Wow - Thank you Andy

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - takes a bow.

[@ajantasengupta7452]

you are such an awesome teacher! thanks for simplifying everything 🙂

[@MikeBrowne]

😄🙏

[@jimboy124]

I watched just one of you videos and have come completely hooked on photography ! Thank you Mike !!

[@eccs19]

Great video as usual Mike. I like it when people tell it as it is vs telling people that they need the latest and greatest.

[@0mike7777]

Thanks Mike! This video answered the question I posted on your channel 2 days ago, you're the best on youtube!!

[@jf4950]

Thanks for your reply Mike it is very much appreciated and a line that I will now be able to follow up on, also many thanks for your excellent easy to follow ( for the beginner) tutorials. All the best … John

[@xbendor]

Regarding the quality- you are right. But the Crop Factor of a DX sensor might give some photographers that extra reach they need. The Crop Factor essentially multiplies your focal length by a certain number (=factor) which for Canon is most likely to be a 1.3 or 1.6 , meaning a lens of a 100mm focal length will behave as a 160mm lens. This would be great for macro, sports or other telephoto-range pictures. As this video tries to explain, there's never a 'right' answer. It's all taste and need.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you very much.

[@tarak6]

What an excellent video with very important information Mike. Thank you for sharing such info with us all. Please keep up the good work if possible.

[@albertdejong3946]

Exactly to the point; that's what we need! Thank you Mike!! Albert de Jong from the Netherlands.

[@marcusplatt2191]

Well Mike... Another brilliant video...lots of great advise on how NOT to get in to the whole buying something new just because its the latest model...if only I had that bit of kit my photography would be so much better...this is rarely the case...master what you have, and when you feel restricted with your kit then upgrade for the right reasons...

[@d34nh177]

Thanks Mike, You're the best! What you say reminds me a lot of other art analogies. 'What brand of paintbrush did Leonardo paint with?' - Well, it certainly won't make you paint the Mona Lisa will it!

[@mashflm]

Thank You Mike. I will study about it and will be in touch with You.

[@amk1984]

Great video Mike once again. One thing which I may not totally agree with is the DX vs FX sensor thing. I used a DX camera for three years and recently upgraded to FX, and actually the IQ difference is prominent especially in low light situations, also some other differences e.g. dynamic range, DoF are there. But again, for many photographers DX might just be enough.

[@ashrafkassem1]

Thank you Mike.. That was very helpful.... I like the twilight idea...

[@jf4950]

Hi Mike I am new to photography and have just splashed out on a Sony A77 but also like venturing into video recording, my question which I hope you will be able to help me on is " how do you get such good sound recording? Ps - love the tutorials and the familiar backgrounds of Bournemouth.

[@RickP2012]

Excellent as always! Out of interest where was this filmed, it always looks nice in the background - presumably somewhere between Southampton and Bournemouth by what I can see.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Do you work in TV land?

[@hardaker44]

Hiya Mike your videos are brilliant and really helpful, in future I don't suppose you can add links to other video's you suggest. like when you say "you need to go watch our focal length explained video" Could you provide a quick link to it in the video it would really help.

[@7belowzero]

Hi Mike, You, Gavin Hoey and Bryan Peterson are like the holy grail of Nikon lenses 14-24, 24-70 and the 70-200. I can see you working for Adorama next???!!! The lady walking in front of the camera at 0:17 and the throth on your Moustache made me smile. You do really need your own Photography TV show on the Discovery channel. I'll see what I can do...

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you

[@ashrafkassem1]

Thank you Mike... Love your videos and love your passion for photography.... I have a question for you.. How can I avoid blow lout lights in long exposure photos.???.. Like the street lights for example,,, When the cityscape is perfectly exposed, you get the street lights and neon signs blown out... How can I avoid that??? Cheers

[@vrizwan]

Thanks mike your videos are so good , best teacher out there

[@pcondes]

Great Mike. I am new on all this and your videos help a lot.

[@Cusk0]

Great FAQ! That said when most people ask "whats the best camera/lense" they are really asking "if you had X dollars,what would you get?". You could do a "buying a camera on a $400 /$800/ $2000 budget" series :)

[@r0m1o61]

great video, but a quick question, as a photographer what do you work with? models, product photography etc..

[@B05SM4N]

Hi Mike - Another fantastic episode .. well done and thank you ! I dont have a moustache but i am going to grow one now - just for the 'sticky' experience........ Nigel

[@jjccllgg]

As an amateur photographer, I believe I have all I need with these lenses: Pentax 18-55mm, Pentax 50mm 1.8, Sigma 17-70 and Sigma 70-300. and a PENTAX converter 1.4. What is your opinion?

[@MikeBrowne]

If you have an 18-55 and a 70-300, why do you need to double up with the 17-70 Juan Carlos? There's only 15mm missing between the other two... Unless it has a wider maximum aperture. MIKE

[@jjccllgg]

@@MikeBrowne the 17-70 has a 2.8 aperture.

[@GabrielKnightz]

Mike, your'e awesome, your'e all about the passion, pure and simple :)

[@leesadler558]

Mike, you are the best. Thank you!

[@PacificReefs]

Nicely done...simple and to the point.

[@BruisedBrother]

Absolutely brilliant camera work!

[@p0rsch997]

Thanks Mike! can you please talk a little bit about 50mm lenses?

[@oregon_traveller]

Hi Mike. Thank you very much for all those wonderful videos. It guides me a lot. I have a question on comparing my Nikon kit lens 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 and Nikon 18-200 f3.5-5.6. I just borrowed this from a friend. @ 18mm and f3.5 will both lenses let the same amount of light or will the 18-200 lets less light than the kit lens? I have a feel that longer lenses let less light. Is that real or just my perception. Thanks again and you are awesome.

[@mashflm]

As always thank You for demonstrating good subjects. I want to use IR filters. Can I use it on CANON 600D? Will You please help me?

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry I missed your post - Thank you and I find having a moustache is like having a friend ;-)

[@TimberGeek]

UV filters are good if you want to do the greasy Vaseline on the lens soft focus sort of thing, smear it on the UV filter and keep your lens clean.

[@66rod]

nice one , very good vidio, funny and straight to the the point, simple,.keep them coming and we all appreaciate your time in doing all this for us followers..

[@jaquelinesavage6535]

Thanks, Mike Browne.. I have subscribed, and am learning a lot from your videos. I have a question for you: I would like to buy a wide angle lens for my Canon EOS 70D crop-sensor camera, and I'm wondering which would be the best lens to buy. I have been looking into a Canon 10-18mm f/4.5 and a Tokina 11-16 DX11 f/2.8. I would like the wide angle lens for landscape shots, and shots of a band who don't have great stage lighting. (That's what made me think the Tokina might be good because the f/2.8 means I can lower my ISO a little when I take their pictures.) Which of these two would you recommend. I know they're not the best lenses you can buy, but my budget is quite limited. Thanks, Jacki

[@MikeBrowne]

hi Jaqueline , we can only speak with the lenses we use, i think both of these are lenses are really great, i would recommend if you can both try it out first or read forums, but by the looks of it, i would go for Tokina 11-16 DX11 f/2.8, for its 2.8 aperture for lowlight situations. - Melissa pp Mike

[@jaquelinesavage6535]

I'm reading what I can about both, and I live in a small town in NS, Canada where I would not be able to rent/borrow both to try them out. I'll just keep reading what I can on them both.. thanks Jacki

[@jshaw6600]

Along with Megapixel count, UV filters are probably the most marketed camera "necessity" of the century. It's amazing how many beginners (usually those who only use their DSLRs in Auto) I've run across who were sold into buying cheap UV filters and had no idea that their image quality was being ruined. Some even were tricked in to buying them for multiple lenses!!

[@russellbowen8484]

Mike, I have taken many colour photos yet there are 2 that have grabbed the most praise from family and friends - these are black and white photos - do you have a video giving advice on black and white as I've become very interested in improving

[@TheUbernut]

Excellent, thanks Mike

[@ThomazMartinez]

How can having more mpx improve noise performance? Its other way around, or if you lets say have 35mpx and downgrade it to like 12mpx (after post processing) then yes that should be better then just having 12mpx camera from first place. Because with 35mpx you have mode data (more mpx) to work with when post processing like removing noise in image.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you for the explanation William. :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Pleasure

[@JasonSmithSlayboneGardener]

theses videos are fantastic mate!

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad you find them useful Jason Smith - please help me make more by sharing them on photo forums, Facebook and with other photogs... Cheers :-)

[@dan6506]

I am watching Mike's videos and 👍🏻' em all. 💖

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks dan - MIKE :-)

[@shoryuken920]

you deserve more views!! I love your channel!!

[@jshaw6600]

Great video, again, Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - well they do :-)

[@jjccllgg]

Does the UV filter really makes a difference in the picture? Thank you!

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Juan. No it's just a bit of clear glass. I think they're a waste of money... MIKE

[@thattravellingguy]

Great video Mike and Jeannie (hope the spelling is right). Very useful and inspirational.

[@geo80551]

Mike: About the UV filters, I had one on years ago, while photographing grizzlies. He took a swipe at my lens and thank god I had that on there. The filter was the only thing that got scratched. Well it was a start of a good story. Really I don't use UV filters . Pictures seem less sharp and glary at times. Also, a good video here. Keep up the good work You also keep the sense of humor going for us while being professional and keeping it simple.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you geo80551. Wow now THAT'S a story!!! Please continue helping me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE

[@geo80551]

Thank You. No problem. I like how you keep the tutorials simple and easy to understand. for us.

[@nunziawright5957]

:) i love your videos and you accent too :) thank you.i learn more every time i see your lessons

[@MikeBrowne]

yeah:-)

[@pointer2null]

My question: When I got my camera it came with the kit lens and an uber doober super 18-350 whatsit lens. The kit lens is a little too low quality and the uber doober is too much for me. So if I could only have one lens, what would be a good all round lens for someone from starter to intermediate level? Oh and something that doesn't cost more than a small car!

[@MikeBrowne]

hi +pointer2null the reason you have the kit lens is for you to exploit the possibilities of your "niche" coz it can go from widest to farther focal point, if you found yourself shooting more people and portraits, go check 50mm 1.8 lens or 70-200 2.8 lens, if you love more landscape you may check Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8. check which focal length you use more often and what photography you are more attracted to, this will give you idea of what lens you will invest in the future, different lens has different specialties , hope this helps - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@pointer2null]

+Mike Browne Thanks for the advice. Maybe my idea of budget is a little low ... a Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 is £1,498.I think Santa is going to choke on his coffee when he sees my wish list this year lol

[@MikeBrowne]

haha try to look for the once you can only buy, remember you are just starting, when i started my career in photography, i used my kit lens, earning lil by lil saved money , then i got my dream lens. you can also check if you can rent lens in your local place - MELISSA

[@jshaw6600]

If you're going to buy UV filters, don't. Buy clear filters instead. And go for high-quality brands with multi-coated, extra thin and hardened glass filters like Cokin, Hoya or B+W. ThatNikonGuy just uploaded a comparison between cheap and high-quality filters. I personally just keep a lens hood on everything, however, I just purchased a hoya clear for those days when I'm shoot near the ocean, as I don't feel comfortable with seaspray constantly hitting my front element throughout the year.

[@BruisedBrother]

Some kind of Tulips I reckon. You must have taken the video pretty recently or else last year if they're out already.

[@FahadOrfali1993]

Great Video thanks Mike!

[@villegas24]

great video mike!

[@Lahtni_Vahya]

you're a great mentor....

[@colts41996]

hey mike I just got into photography I got a Nikon D3200 with a kit lens and I'm thinking of buying a sigma lens something that gets me 18mm to 300mm do you think it's a good idea

[@AF0093]

Great video as always!

[@ooNap0oo]

great film with a funny end, nicely done

[@harljo3]

Hahaha love the closing line of this video!

[@PaperGlazed]

There's a typo in the video at 07:33 It should read "updated".

[@russellbowen8484]

Also, I have invested in circular ND screw in filters but I only see the use of the square front mounted filters on videos. Why is this and have I made an expensive mistake?

[@theborne]

Thx Mike!

[@hercalting]

Awesome Video, wish I had a teacher like you :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +skberba You have got me as your teacher - well for photography at least. I've got loads of videos here on KZbin. And the same vids on my site where they are often easier to find your way around. All can be searched by category and skill level. Take a look and see what you think - link below.. MIKE :-) www.photographycourses.biz/videos

[@hercalting]

+Mike Browne Yep. Love your videos. Im just starting out as a photographer. Already a subscriber :)

[@MikeBrowne]

skberba Thank you - enjoy the journey - MIKE :-)

[@sesin77]

Why all the best things in life makes your mustache sticky? Lol :))) you are a legend Mike!

[@Grelipe]

Omg that last line cracked me up! xD I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard by myself!

[@juliangang8690]

Hi Mike, I would like to know about HDR on my Sony DSC-HX400v. Do you have any knowledge of this...Julian

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry Julian, never used a Sony so can't be any help. I do HDR in Lightroom, should the need arise but never tried it in camera either... MIKE

[@juliangang8690]

Thanks for reply Mike, what version of Lightroom do you use? Right now I use version 2, but intend to upgrade to version 4 as soon as I get a new computer!...Julian