Bought a camera and never understood how to use it and none of my pictures were coming out how I wanted them to. Left it alone for a long time! Then I tell myself I can’t let this be a waste of money and I gotta figure this out, I TH-camd videos and stumbled across Mike Browne, can’t remember what video it was at that time but the way he explains anything, it all just made perfect sense. Thanks Mike!
this man is great. he is a teacher. others just blow you ears with lots of talking. Mike explains plus he demonstrates. it is guaranteed that you understand 100/100.
I had my camera for over two years and never knew was the Ael buttom was for..didnt even think was important..you mentioned it in this video , i took notes and practiced,..it makes life so easy.Thank you..I dont know what I would do without people like you in youtube.... now I have to watch your others videos.
I’ve only watched a couple of your videos so far but each one has taught me something valuable. So much so that, though I rarely consider buying courses, I would consider yours.
Found you by accident last week. Best accident ever. Working my way through and I'd like to repeat what someone further down as put. Best video/tutorials on TH-cam. Thanks Mike. Much appreciated.
Thanks very much indeed. Yours is the best demo I've found on backlighting in over a week of searching - clear, easy, brief, comprehensive and friendly. You're a natural communicator.
Thank you Jungli 999 Please help me make more videos like this by clicking the like button and sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook etc. - MIKE
Yes you can but you have to make sure you spot meter from something that has a mid grey tone or the exposure will be wrong. Negative value TTL or fill-in flash will work but personally i don't like the light from flash so don't use it unless there's no alternative.
I wish to be your student. There are many hundreds videos on youtube with best lenses and expensive FF cameras, but nobody is explaining so good like you.It`s just amazing how good and simple you explain everything.
Thank you Martin Peter I'm happy to have helped with the free vids. Please help me make more by sharing them around. There's also more in depth training available on my site at www.photographycourses.biz/courses - MIKE
Hey Mike; first of all you just look like you have forgotten more about photography than I already know lol. useful knowledge, straight to the point, quick video, easy on the ears, your a great teacher Mike, thank you thank you thank you.
I love back lighting it’s so pretty. That spot you’re in is gorgeous. I love to use this technique and adding a flash to get rid of any shadows and avoid the over exposure.
Thank you for taking the time to say so. Please help us spread the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc
It's exactly the same. But quite a few people on workshops have found it useful to begin with to notice what the camera sets on an auto mode is the same as the photographer can set manually reading the light meter.
Mighty Thanks Mike for this enlightening tutorial. That small AE-L button on the back of my Nikon D5500 used to bug me a lot and I couldn't get to know its function. You have explained the backlighting so lucidly that all one needs to do is go practice with your words ringing in mind. Thanks again Sir.
It's not the metering which causes the effect - it's the direction of the light. To achieve the exposure spot metering would work provided you make sure to spot meter from mid grey.
Man 1st the focal length video, my favorite one and now this back light one. Its like I am asking GOD to educate me on photography & he is directing me to your videos. Awesome explanation by Mike Sir.
Thanks for another great video!! I have been shooting since I was 11 years old (won't tell you how long ago that was, but it involved film and a Canon AE-1 Programme) and I never ever thought of this. Amazing how we can go so many years and still learn something new. Love your videos, the way you explain things so clearly, and the humour. Thanks again!
Basically yes. You can combine backlighting with flash or a reflector if you like - there's no right or wrong they just give you slightly different looks. Go have a play and try it yourself and then you'll see what i mean.
Thanks. whenever you can get light behind someone / thing it'll work so middle of the day isn't good. Just shoot when the light looks right. This begins with looking at light all the time - not just when out with a camera - so you'll recognise what it's doing ans when.
I like your technique of using the AE-L for locking exposure. I set mine to hold--I find this easier than holding the AE-L/AF-L button while recomposing the shot. Another useful tip!
I've just got my first DSLR and been looking at all sort of videos and tutorial on youtube; can definitely tell that your tips and videos are by far the best! Well done and keep up the good work :)
I am so happy to have found your videos on metering and back lighting and how to use the gray card for correct exposure. Until now I have not seen any video tutorials on that. You area really great teacher, thank you.
I really needed to know how that worked. Thnx so much Mate. Now I will enjoy my camera so much more. Im a hands on guy, reading the manual is not the same. You are lucky your mate has such a beautiful subject. Thnx again. John/Canada.
No - Backlighting is light coming from behind the subject. Fill In Flash is light coming from in front of the subject to put a bit of light back into shadow areas like when the sun's making hard shadows or to balance the foreground subject with a very bright background. Hope this helps..
One of my favorite and (so far) best pictures is that of my cat Alice when she was still a juvenile while sitting in the window. She's all black, and the maroon curtains were parted and she was sitting in the part with the sun coming in the window behind her. The backlight made her black fur very black when the camera compensated for the light, which allowed the copper hue in her eyes to stand out as well.
Thank you. I've wanted to do a fill in flash / sunset film for a while. It's difficult to get everyone in place at the right time then finding there isn't a sunset that's the problem. Certainly on the cards though and will happen one day....
Yes it would - provided you put the spot onto an area that equates to mid grey, If you put it on something darker or lighter it won't be accurate. - Mike
Thank you for all your videos. I "weaned" on them when I was just a real babe in photography. Sadly, I think and feel that I really do not have the natural talent for it and I am not any much better at it now. I understand all the principles and the technical facts ( Thank you, again) but it is composition where I suck. I've gotten many of your videos down to a CD for my son whom I think will do a better job at this hobby. He is showing some promise at it. Again, thank you, sir and God bless.
Thank you. Composition is what i struggled with most when I was learning too. So keep practising and trying different angles, framing and positioning. Set aside 4 hours minimum per week to go practise and make sure you always do it. Study other images, ask yourself how they put their image together and why that works, then go try it for yourself... And most of all have fun - MIKE
Hi Seven - I don't remember what time of day we shot this and to be honest it won't help you to know because the sun's in a different place at the same time depending on time of year and where you are. It's more important for you to learn how to look at and recognise what light is doing. As you learn this you'll start to know where to find the kind of light you want for a film / photo. Or be able to create it. Practice looking at light first. Search our channel for understanding light
Hey Mike; first of all you just look like you have forgotten more about photography than I already know lol. useful knowledge, straight to the point, quick video, easy on the ears, your a great teacher Mike, thank you thank you thank you. t
Oh, i know where the controls are :) My D7100 just came back from repair so I will go out and practice more with backlighting. I used the wrong word in my previous post, I don't mean to say contrast, I mean to say I find a little bit of fill flash helps separate my subject from the background so they popout a little bit. Love your videos, will continue to watch.
Hello Mike, Just adding to the other accolades - simply a superb video. you are a great teacher! I have a quick question for you - per a Canon 60D guide, it says about AE lock that "...It's very useful when spot metering, but also when dealing with subjects where you want to draw your exposure from one place, while autofocusing on another ...". Could you please explain how AE lock capability is useful for spot metering? Thank you.
great videos!! I was taking some photos of my wife on balcony today in the shade and she came out darker than she should. The sky behind her was pretty bright. So I should have just bumped up the compensation and she would have become brighter right? Also I just ordered a white balance grey card to help with custom white balances. Thanks for all your videos. They sure help a rookie out. I shoot a Canon D5 Mark 3.
You got it ***** Increase the exposure and it'll lighten everything but you'll be able to see the wife clearly. If you can line up the shot so she's backlit against an area of shade it'll work even better. Good to know the vids are helping :-)
thanks mike...real quick question. I have a Canon D5 Mark 3. I want to get my wife a good camera that takes sharp photos. can't afford to buy another Mark 3, if you had $2,000 dollars to spend on a body what camera would you get. I have about $8,000 dollars in Canon glass already so we could share. I was thinking of new Canon 7Dmark 2 for her. suggestions? --thanks!!
Mike Browne I’m not sure if the beginner’s one is for me. I’m somewhere between beginner and intermediate so I’m not sure how to determine whether or not I need that one. I’m also considering the wedding one because I’ve already been asked whether I would take wedding pictures for a friend (they’re aware I’m not a professional but they’re ok with that).
Hi oldschoolwarrior. Sorry for the delay replying. I've not even had an evening off this week. If you're confident controlling your camera then the next step is the 7 Blocks. But if you're not, please be aware there are no camera controls or similar techniques. 7 Blocks is for people who've mastered their camera and need to connect their technical skills with their creativity. The beginners course has everything anyone needs for camera skills. Hope this helps... MIKE :-)
Just the video I was looking for! Thank you for explaining all the options in plain English, I cannot tell you how long I looked for the answer to my blacked out subjects lol
Excellent video. Just noticed however that the pic you shot at 2:52 and the result pic shown at 2:55 are not the same pic. Different arm on Nat's side..
Hi Ron. It was probably a bit soft or something so I 'substituted' in the edit. It was so long ago I don't remember TBH. However the information is still accurate... MIKE
This was very helpful! I've been really wanting to get into backlit photos and haven't quite found the right video to explain it, but this was great! Never knew the trick about the AEL button. Thanks very much!
Photos I take during filming are always included in the video. In this video there are a couple of extras as examples of where the technique will also work very well.
I'm sorry I can't because it depends on so many things. How do you want the image to look? What depth of field do you want? How much field of view do you need? How much light you have? And many more things. The only way to find the settings is first to understand what they all do and how they affect the image, choose how you want it to look and use settings to achieve that. If you're just starting out use full auto until you have learn't more about it. Our videos will help.
when you got up close Mike to get a meter reading, (speed & f:stop) so you could dial it in manually. Is your camera set to Full auto to get the reading? love your vids btw
Thanks +Philip Beckwith It doesn't matter what mode the camera is on when metering. Though some cameras don't display the light meter if you're not in Manual mode. In this vid I had camera in an auto mode, read off the exposure it told me I needed then set it manually because when i moved back the camera would see all the bright areas and then under expose the photo. Hope this helped - MIKE
Philip Beckwith The background isn't likely to go black. It depends on how bright it is and the shutter speed you use. You might need to shoot a couple of test shots and adjust up and down before you get it to look natural. Hope this helped - MIKE
No worries. Also don't forget you can boost contrast in post production or by changing the picture controls in your cameras menu. Sorry - don't ask me where they are - you'll have to have a look in your camera's handbook.
Thanks, Mike. I hope to be able to try some of your tips out during some of my upcoming travel. And whatever I do try, I'll sure post to "our" Facebook page.
Mike, you are just brilliant, thank you. This might be a daft question, but do I go with Sekonic or Gossen? I discovered incident light reading last week and I realised I have been doing photography wrong all these years. Thank you.
Thank you +PhotoMusicMan I wouldn't say you're doing photography wrong. I almost never use a]n incident meter because it's pretty slow. That said they are the most accurate way to meter light. Which is best between Sekonic or Gossen? I have owned both and they both do the same job well so just go with the one you like best - MIKE
I just want to say that day by day I enjoy your videos and I learn a lot. They are very helpful and easy to understand. Well Done!! Do you give any classes around London?
Well that depends if you want to expose the background as well as the foreground but see he's only exposing for the subject and not the background. This is a great technique but it depends on what you going for in terms of look
In this case elr2141979 I have accurate exposure for both subject and background because both are in shade facing me. Therefore the exposure is the same for both.
Thanks Mike for sharing your God-given talent (for Stephanie too for sharing hers, just by her awesome presence). I'd like to ask what time of day is it so the angle of the sun on a sunny day can be calculated well. Lighting is no. 1, sets the mood. My technique for complicated lighting scenes: 3D modelling (Maya but it's nice to learn any good 3D app w/ a good renderer) beforehand for experiments also a site with accurate weather report (any recommendations?) God bless.
Mike, you are a fantastic teacher, and i'm learning so much from your videos. I understand backlighting, but just one thing on the exposure if i may. I noticed in one part of the vid that you exposed for the subject (via auto?) then used manual with those details. Please confirmed you used auto. Thanks Mike!
Wow... finally! I cracked the secret code of backlighting style in robert richardson's cinematography. Thx to your tutorial video, sir. it's very helpful and informative 😎
Mike this is awesome! I was also wondering if you could do one on how to use lens flares to your advantage. there aren't many videos on this. That; and I also don't know how to work the sun to get a good lens flare into my shots creatively.
Thanks vikvadle23 - great idea for a video. I've put it on the list :-) Please be aware vids are usually shot 6 months in advance of release so keep your eyes on the channel (or sub to my newsletter www.photographycourses.biz/videos) ...
Set your lights to be brighter than the available light on the background then set the exposure for the lights. The brighter you set the lights is equal to how dark the background will become.
Thanks Mike ! Great stuff !! I am a newbie out here and do not have a DSLR. Anyway your videos are inspiring and helps me to get more out of the little PS I have. Thanks again !!
Hi Mike, super tutorial! Very clear explanation.Can you do a tutorial of how to photograph a person standing with a glorious golden sunset behind him/her using flash/softbox-thing?Thank you in advance.
Bought a camera and never understood how to use it and none of my pictures were coming out how I wanted them to. Left it alone for a long time! Then I tell myself I can’t let this be a waste of money and I gotta figure this out, I TH-camd videos and stumbled across Mike Browne, can’t remember what video it was at that time but the way he explains anything, it all just made perfect sense. Thanks Mike!
Brilliant - did you know I've got a photography course too? www.photographycourses.biz/courses/photography-masterclass
There's never been a better photography teacher than the great Mike Browne! Even explained a lens hood in 2 seconds.
Hey thanks hamstersniffer - MIKE :-)
Still watching in 2019! Love every second of this tutorial video.
2021
wow, for the first time, i ACTUALLY understand how to use the AE-L button properly! Thank you for explaining this :D
No worries yudontsay :-)
this man is great. he is a teacher. others just blow you ears with lots of talking. Mike explains plus he demonstrates. it is guaranteed that you understand 100/100.
I had my camera for over two years and never knew was the Ael buttom was for..didnt even think was important..you mentioned it in this video , i took notes and practiced,..it makes life so easy.Thank you..I dont know what I would do without people like you in youtube.... now I have to watch your others videos.
Thank you mickey mouse - delighted to help. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.
cool thank
Mike Browne as said by mickey mouse. you explained it very well. i just need it to stop raining so i can go out and try it! thank you.
You could try reading?
4 years later and still helping learning photographers :)
Another great video Mike !
Amazing photographer. You make learning very easy. Your step by step approach is quite understanding.
Thanks a bunch.
Happy to help Muyiwa Mayor Please help me make more videos like this one by sharing it with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.
I’ve only watched a couple of your videos so far but each one has taught me something valuable. So much so that, though I rarely consider buying courses, I would consider yours.
Possibly the best photography tutorials that you can find online.
Would have liked to have seen your last 2 shots.
Found you by accident last week. Best accident ever. Working my way through and I'd like to repeat what someone further down as put. Best video/tutorials on TH-cam. Thanks Mike. Much appreciated.
Thanks very much indeed. Yours is the best demo I've found on backlighting in over a week of searching - clear, easy, brief, comprehensive and friendly. You're a natural communicator.
Watched a ton of videos on this subject today and this is by far the best explained. Thank you.
Thank you Jungli 999 Please help me make more videos like this by clicking the like button and sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook etc. - MIKE
Love the speed at which you explain. Straight to the the point
Thanks Chris. Life's too short to mess about... MIKE :-)
Yes you can but you have to make sure you spot meter from something that has a mid grey tone or the exposure will be wrong. Negative value TTL or fill-in flash will work but personally i don't like the light from flash so don't use it unless there's no alternative.
I wish to be your student. There are many hundreds videos on youtube with best lenses and expensive FF cameras, but nobody is explaining so good like you.It`s just amazing how good and simple you explain everything.
Thank you Martin Peter I'm happy to have helped with the free vids. Please help me make more by sharing them around. There's also more in depth training available on my site at www.photographycourses.biz/courses - MIKE
You are one of the best teachers i have seen!!! Thanks for the video!
Dave that's Awesome! It's that kind of thinking that makes great photographers - not expensive cameras.
Great video and explanation👍👍
Hey Mike; first of all you just look like you have forgotten more about photography than I already know lol.
useful knowledge, straight to the point, quick video, easy on the ears, your a great teacher Mike, thank you thank you thank you.
Fantastic video thanks very much it's always a treat seeing you at work-Keep it up Mike!
you are an awsome instructor! thank you. I have learned so much. I watch your videos mutiple times. love your accent!
Thank you for the kind words :) - Melissa pp Mike
I love back lighting it’s so pretty.
That spot you’re in is gorgeous.
I love to use this technique and adding a flash to get rid of any shadows and avoid the over exposure.
Thank you for taking the time to say so. Please help us spread the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc
It's exactly the same. But quite a few people on workshops have found it useful to begin with to notice what the camera sets on an auto mode is the same as the photographer can set manually reading the light meter.
Mighty Thanks Mike for this enlightening tutorial. That small AE-L button on the back of my Nikon D5500 used to bug me a lot and I couldn't get to know its function. You have explained the backlighting so lucidly that all one needs to do is go practice with your words ringing in mind. Thanks again Sir.
thank you GiveUTremors - Melissa pp Mike
Thank you Mike ! Backlit you look like the saint of photography ... :)
ha ha ha ha - but thanks...... MIKE :-)
It's not the metering which causes the effect - it's the direction of the light. To achieve the exposure spot metering would work provided you make sure to spot meter from mid grey.
Man 1st the focal length video, my favorite one and now this back light one. Its like I am asking GOD to educate me on photography & he is directing me to your videos. Awesome explanation by Mike Sir.
Thant's very kind of you Amit Krupal - MIKE
Thanks for another great video!! I have been shooting since I was 11 years old (won't tell you how long ago that was, but it involved film and a Canon AE-1 Programme) and I never ever thought of this. Amazing how we can go so many years and still learn something new. Love your videos, the way you explain things so clearly, and the humour. Thanks again!
Basically yes. You can combine backlighting with flash or a reflector if you like - there's no right or wrong they just give you slightly different looks. Go have a play and try it yourself and then you'll see what i mean.
Thanks. whenever you can get light behind someone / thing it'll work so middle of the day isn't good. Just shoot when the light looks right. This begins with looking at light all the time - not just when out with a camera - so you'll recognise what it's doing ans when.
I like your technique of using the AE-L for locking exposure. I set mine to hold--I find this easier than holding the AE-L/AF-L button while recomposing the shot. Another useful tip!
I've just got my first DSLR and been looking at all sort of videos and tutorial on youtube; can definitely tell that your tips and videos are by far the best! Well done and keep up the good work :)
Thank you Angelo Tardugno I’m delighted they are helping. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums etc.
Good explanation with examples. Thanks.
Love all you videos. Been binge watching all your videos very easy to understand. Amazing teacher from sunny California
Thanks Justito Tanedo Please share them around and help me make more ... Mike :-)
You can - BUT make sure you spot meter from an area that equates to mid grey or it could be out by a very long way.
Very informative; walking to the subject and filling frame and manually dialing in exposure... I never thought to try that. Thanks for sharing.
I thought exactly the same. This was a great tip.
I am so happy to have found your videos on metering and back lighting and how to use the gray card for correct exposure. Until now I have not seen any video tutorials on that. You area really great teacher, thank you.
thank you +Rick Saint John :) - MELISSA ( for MIke )
I really needed to know how that worked. Thnx so much Mate. Now I will enjoy my camera so much more. Im a hands on guy, reading the manual is not the same. You are lucky your mate has such a beautiful subject. Thnx again. John/Canada.
You are fantastic sir, very clear and understandable video.
Thank you
Mike, your explanation of this topic and every subject discuss is spot on!
Thanks Alan 🙏🏻
i like how you go into details to explain things and setting up the shot !! really enjoyed the video !
No - Backlighting is light coming from behind the subject. Fill In Flash is light coming from in front of the subject to put a bit of light back into shadow areas like when the sun's making hard shadows or to balance the foreground subject with a very bright background. Hope this helps..
you are a natural as a teacher. I aspire to take a few decent pics.........you have a great presentation. Thank you!!! Your video helped a lot.
Thank you steve williams... MIKE
Hi Mike, I want to thank you very very much, you'r videos are just awesome! Probably best tutorials ever..
One of my favorite and (so far) best pictures is that of my cat Alice when she was still a juvenile while sitting in the window. She's all black, and the maroon curtains were parted and she was sitting in the part with the sun coming in the window behind her. The backlight made her black fur very black when the camera compensated for the light, which allowed the copper hue in her eyes to stand out as well.
Thank you. I've wanted to do a fill in flash / sunset film for a while. It's difficult to get everyone in place at the right time then finding there isn't a sunset that's the problem. Certainly on the cards though and will happen one day....
Pleasure :-) It's a park in the small city of Salisbury in the UK
Mr. Browne, that was succinct and informative. Love your videos. Thanks.
Mike, great videos. I have really learned a lot from them. Specially liked the one about focal length. Excellent work, got a new subscriber here!
Thank you Jaime. Please hare any vids you particularly like around, it helps me make more of them. Best wishes... MIKE :-)
I like your style, Mike, and your videos are full of useful tips (e.g. using a dark background for better rim light). Thanks for sharing. Ezio
Thank you Ezio Falco Please help me grow the channel and make more free vids by sharing them here, on Facebook, forums etc :-)
Yes it would - provided you put the spot onto an area that equates to mid grey, If you put it on something darker or lighter it won't be accurate. - Mike
"...it makes me look EXTRA decorative."
I damn near spit my wine out. LOL
Thank you for all your videos. I "weaned" on them when I was just a real babe in photography. Sadly, I think and feel that I really do not have the natural talent for it and I am not any much better at it now. I understand all the principles and the technical facts ( Thank you, again) but it is composition where I suck. I've gotten many of your videos down to a CD for my son whom I think will do a better job at this hobby. He is showing some promise at it. Again, thank you, sir and God bless.
Thank you. Composition is what i struggled with most when I was learning too. So keep practising and trying different angles, framing and positioning. Set aside 4 hours minimum per week to go practise and make sure you always do it. Study other images, ask yourself how they put their image together and why that works, then go try it for yourself... And most of all have fun - MIKE
So much to understand. I'm impressed with photographers!
Thanks. TBH it's a bit of knowledge and a lot of practise...
Million dollar tips as always! Thanks!
Hi Seven - I don't remember what time of day we shot this and to be honest it won't help you to know because the sun's in a different place at the same time depending on time of year and where you are. It's more important for you to learn how to look at and recognise what light is doing. As you learn this you'll start to know where to find the kind of light you want for a film / photo. Or be able to create it. Practice looking at light first. Search our channel for understanding light
Hey Mike; first of all you just look like you have forgotten more about photography than I already know lol.
useful knowledge, straight to the point, quick video, easy on the ears, your a great teacher Mike, thank you thank you thank you. t
Hey thanks James - MIKE
Good on you mate. I like the way and language you use to explain things.
Oh, i know where the controls are :) My D7100 just came back from repair so I will go out and practice more with backlighting. I used the wrong word in my previous post, I don't mean to say contrast, I mean to say I find a little bit of fill flash helps separate my subject from the background so they popout a little bit. Love your videos, will continue to watch.
Very nicely explained, quick, accurate and fast....
Hello Mike, Just adding to the other accolades - simply a superb video. you are a great teacher!
I have a quick question for you - per a Canon 60D guide, it says about AE lock that "...It's very useful when spot metering, but also when dealing with subjects where you want to draw your exposure from one place, while autofocusing on another ...". Could you please explain how AE lock capability is useful for spot metering?
Thank you.
Excellent information thank you - you have a very easy to watch presentation style.
Thank you
great videos!! I was taking some photos of my wife on balcony today in the shade and she came out darker than she should. The sky behind her was pretty bright. So I should have just bumped up the compensation and she would have become brighter right? Also I just ordered a white balance grey card to help with custom white balances. Thanks for all your videos. They sure help a rookie out. I shoot a Canon D5 Mark 3.
You got it ***** Increase the exposure and it'll lighten everything but you'll be able to see the wife clearly. If you can line up the shot so she's backlit against an area of shade it'll work even better. Good to know the vids are helping :-)
thanks mike...real quick question. I have a Canon D5 Mark 3. I want to get my wife a good camera that takes sharp photos. can't afford to buy another Mark 3, if you had $2,000 dollars to spend on a body what camera would you get. I have about $8,000 dollars in Canon glass already so we could share. I was thinking of new Canon 7Dmark 2 for her. suggestions? --thanks!!
Always easy to understand Mike Browne , my photography is so much better from watching your videos.#photography
Yours are the most informative videos I’ve come across. They contain practical, helpful advice. So much so I’m considering looking into your courses.
that's really cool! which course are you interested in? maybe i can guide you - Melissa pp Mike
Mike Browne I’m not sure if the beginner’s one is for me. I’m somewhere between beginner and intermediate so I’m not sure how to determine whether or not I need that one. I’m also considering the wedding one because I’ve already been asked whether I would take wedding pictures for a friend (they’re aware I’m not a professional but they’re ok with that).
Hi oldschoolwarrior. Sorry for the delay replying. I've not even had an evening off this week. If you're confident controlling your camera then the next step is the 7 Blocks. But if you're not, please be aware there are no camera controls or similar techniques. 7 Blocks is for people who've mastered their camera and need to connect their technical skills with their creativity. The beginners course has everything anyone needs for camera skills. Hope this helps... MIKE :-)
I'm learning a lot from your tutorials. Thank you, master! new subscribere here.
Just the video I was looking for! Thank you for explaining all the options in plain English, I cannot tell you how long I looked for the answer to my blacked out subjects lol
Good to hear you found what you were looking for.
Excellent video, really enjoyed it. Brilliantly presented!
Thanks Paul Miguel Photography . Please share it around and help me make more like it... MIKE :-)
Very clear explanation! well done!
Excellent video ... question , for film can apply same technique?
Thanks. Yes, though it's less easy to see what you just shot so shoot several exposures to find the one that works... MIKE
Excellent video. Just noticed however that the pic you shot at 2:52 and the result pic shown at 2:55 are not the same pic. Different arm on Nat's side..
Hi Ron. It was probably a bit soft or something so I 'substituted' in the edit. It was so long ago I don't remember TBH. However the information is still accurate... MIKE
This was very helpful! I've been really wanting to get into backlit photos and haven't quite found the right video to explain it, but this was great! Never knew the trick about the AEL button. Thanks very much!
Thank you. I take your point. This was quite an early vid and we do more comparisons these days - Mike
Photos I take during filming are always included in the video. In this video there are a couple of extras as examples of where the technique will also work very well.
I'm sorry I can't because it depends on so many things. How do you want the image to look? What depth of field do you want? How much field of view do you need? How much light you have? And many more things. The only way to find the settings is first to understand what they all do and how they affect the image, choose how you want it to look and use settings to achieve that. If you're just starting out use full auto until you have learn't more about it. Our videos will help.
when you got up close Mike to get a meter reading, (speed & f:stop) so you could dial it in manually. Is your camera set to Full auto to get the reading?
love your vids btw
Thanks +Philip Beckwith It doesn't matter what mode the camera is on when metering. Though some cameras don't display the light meter if you're not in Manual mode. In this vid I had camera in an auto mode, read off the exposure it told me I needed then set it manually because when i moved back the camera would see all the bright areas and then under expose the photo. Hope this helped - MIKE
Thanks again. If using a fill in flash to get the model lit. So you need to alter flash exposure compensation so the background doesn't go black?
Philip Beckwith The background isn't likely to go black. It depends on how bright it is and the shutter speed you use. You might need to shoot a couple of test shots and adjust up and down before you get it to look natural. Hope this helped - MIKE
+Philip Beckwith You can also just use spot metering instead of getting close to your subject and filling the frame
No worries. Also don't forget you can boost contrast in post production or by changing the picture controls in your cameras menu. Sorry - don't ask me where they are - you'll have to have a look in your camera's handbook.
I hate to admit it but I never used the AE button unless I had it setup to rear autofocus, but I certainly will now. Great explanation!
Thank you Justin Ramsey Go for it ..
Excellent video Mike, really beneficial for a novice like me. Thanks.
My pleasure Mike. Please share any of my vids you find usefull around - it helps us make more of them.... Best wishes MIKE :-)
Are you setting your white balance correctly?
Thanks, Mike. I hope to be able to try some of your tips out during some of my upcoming travel. And whatever I do try, I'll sure post to "our" Facebook page.
Mike, you are just brilliant, thank you. This might be a daft question, but do I go with Sekonic or Gossen? I discovered incident light reading last week and I realised I have been doing photography wrong all these years. Thank you.
Thank you +PhotoMusicMan I wouldn't say you're doing photography wrong. I almost never use a]n incident meter because it's pretty slow. That said they are the most accurate way to meter light. Which is best between Sekonic or Gossen? I have owned both and they both do the same job well so just go with the one you like best - MIKE
Always Great Mike, thank u, ur tutorial improve my photography a lot.
Excellent!
Thanks from Chicago
very good tips with simple fast explaining ,keep up the good work thx
I just want to say that day by day I enjoy your videos and I learn a lot. They are very helpful and easy to understand.
Well Done!! Do you give any classes around London?
Thank you Andresson Muniz Stephens - no sorry i don't do workshops around London. maybe one day....
Another great video man. Thanks. May I ask what camera are you using?
very useful tips .. everybody else just says " fill flash" , but these tips are pro level
Thanks paul best :-)
Well that depends if you want to expose the background as well as the foreground but see he's only exposing for the subject and not the background. This is a great technique but it depends on what you going for in terms of look
In this case elr2141979 I have accurate exposure for both subject and background because both are in shade facing me. Therefore the exposure is the same for both.
Thanks Mike for sharing your God-given talent (for Stephanie too for sharing hers, just by her awesome presence). I'd like to ask what time of day is it so the angle of the sun on a sunny day can be calculated well. Lighting is no. 1, sets the mood. My technique for complicated lighting scenes: 3D modelling (Maya but it's nice to learn any good 3D app w/ a good renderer) beforehand for experiments also a site with accurate weather report (any recommendations?) God bless.
Mike, you are a fantastic teacher, and i'm learning so much from your videos. I understand backlighting, but just one thing on the exposure if i may. I noticed in one part of the vid that you exposed for the subject (via auto?) then used manual with those details. Please confirmed you used auto. Thanks Mike!
How amazing you explained these concepts. Keep up the good work. Thanks
My pleasure Elsa Ortiz - please help me make more free videos by sharing them on photo forums, Facebook etc... Thanks in advance :-)
Thank you for showing, not just telling, how to use AE-L button.
You're welcome Joana de Sousa. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE :-)
I enjoy the way you explain your joy for photography
Thanks. Glad you enjoy it!... MIKE 🙏😊
Wow... finally! I cracked the secret code of backlighting style in robert richardson's cinematography. Thx to your tutorial video, sir. it's very helpful and informative 😎
B.P. DHANA wow glad you got it :P - Melissa pp Mike
Mike this is awesome! I was also wondering if you could do one on how to use lens flares to your advantage. there aren't many videos on this. That; and I also don't know how to work the sun to get a good lens flare into my shots creatively.
Thanks vikvadle23 - great idea for a video. I've put it on the list :-) Please be aware vids are usually shot 6 months in advance of release so keep your eyes on the channel (or sub to my newsletter www.photographycourses.biz/videos) ...
Mike Browne Will do Mike :) Will do!
Thanks a bunch for considering making a vid on lens flares.
Set your lights to be brighter than the available light on the background then set the exposure for the lights. The brighter you set the lights is equal to how dark the background will become.
Thanks Mike ! Great stuff !! I am a newbie out here and do not have a DSLR. Anyway your videos are inspiring and helps me to get more out of the little PS I have. Thanks again !!
No worries - it's a pleasure
Short, efficient and very good explained, thanks for this tutorial
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Mike, super tutorial! Very clear explanation.Can you do a tutorial of how to photograph a person standing with a glorious golden sunset behind him/her using flash/softbox-thing?Thank you in advance.