Monthly Archives: July 2014
ND grad filters explained – How to use ND grad filters
one of the most important aspects of landscape photography is keeping as many details as possible within the sky. Often in my classes , I am asked a reoccuring question by my students, “when I take a picture of a lovely sunset, my camera dosen’t seem to record the clouds, why does this happen”? Most cameras have a very limited dynamic range, this means how much detail they can record from the darkest part, to the brightest part of a scene. A normal scene can have up to 20 stops of dynamic range. Most cameras will and can only record around 8-10 stops of detail. This means that anything that does not fit into this range will be represented as a ‘blown out highlight or a clipped shadow’. To answer this dilemma and improve the range of details recorded in each image, it’s very simple.When out and about shooting, all you need is a Neutral Density G radiated Filter or an ND Grad Filter.
So What Is An ND Grad Filter?
An ND Grad Filter is used to compress the dynamic range of a scene. The top half is dark , and the bottom half is clear, with the dark half slowly blending (gradiating) into the clear area. This will darken down the sky part of your scene keeping your cloud and sky details from blowing out. The results can give you fantastic colours and depth to your image.
Are All ND Grad Filters The Same?
Not at all. They come in all shapes and sizes, as well as part of different filter kits. They can also come in a variety of different densities (how dark they are), with a range of different blends (how fast they transition from dark to clear). The quality of the filter can differ massiviely depending on the brand or system that you purchase.
Can You Recommend A Good Filter For A Beginner?
If you are not using very expensive and high end lenses, for example, Canon L Series or Nikon Gold Rings, then I would recommend the ‘Cokin System’. The Cokin System comes in three parts, the ring, the holder and the filter itself. The entire set will set you back in or around €50. The set is ideal for beginners, or for casual landscape photographers. However if you are using expensive glass then you might want to consider upgrading to the Lee System. This system can cost you up to €300, depending on the option you go for.
Parts of ND Grad Filter
Have A Look at the image below that was part of Snapshot online magazine free from Dublin photography school, that will show you the anatomy of a ND grad filter. you can also download the entire magazine here for free:)
Have a in depth look at the anatomy of a ND Grad filter see the full article at http://www.dublin-photography-school.com/DPS_Snapshot_Magazine_-_free_online_irish_photography_magazine_.html
If used correctly, the ND Grad Filter is one of the most useful and versatile filters you will ever use. If you are serious about your landscape photography then they are an absolute must. Some of the most stunning and creative images are created with using these filters. Learning to use them is one of the key steps to becoming a good landscape photographer.
If you interested in learning to use these filters on a hands on trip as well as a ton more about landscape photography in Ireland then why not join us on our Kilfane glen and waterfall landscape photography excursion. here you will learn all the hands on practical techniques to get the most out of your filters and when, how, and where to use them.
For information on all our “photography courses dublin” then have a look here.
looking to sit a photography course in dublin or ireland then visit http://www.dublinphotographyschool.ie
Photography Courses Dublin
Photography courses Dublin
7 Week DSLR Photography Course
7 Week DSLR Photography Course Dublin
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or bridge camera with manual controls
What will you learn?: This is the first step in learning photography, we teach you from the very basics as if you have never held a camera before, getting you out of auto mode and into manual and semi automatic modes. We will teach you the basics of photography including aperture (fstop), shutter speeds, how to use your camera, light meter, ISO and much much more.
What level of photography required?: Complete Beginner – Novice
What is the cost?: €199
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this photography course: here
7 Week Improvers Photography Course
7 Week Improvers Photography Course
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or bridge camera with manual controls
What will you learn?: This photography course is designed to follow on from our 7 week DSLR photography course. Think of this course as the level 2 or second step, this course introduces more complicated and creative techniques and how to get more out of your camera, from how and when to use TV/S A/AV modes on your camera, to Histograms, focusing modes and burst modes. As well as techniques on composition and creative shutter speeds and much much more.
What level of photography required?: Intermediate – Improvers
What is the cost?: €199
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this fun and creative photography course:here
1 Day DSLR Photography Course
1 Day DSLR Photography Course Dublin
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or bridge camera with manual controls
What will you learn?: Stuck for time?This is the first step in learning photography compressed into a single day with lunch included, we teach you from the very basics as if you have never held a camera before, getting you out of auto mode and into manual and semi automatic modes. We will teach you the basics of photography including aperture (fstop), shutter speeds, how to use your camera, light meter, ISO and much much more.
What level of photography required?: Complete Beginner – Novice
What is the cost?: €135
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this one day photography course: here
1 Day DSLR Improvers Photography Course
1 Day DSLR Improvers Photography Course
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or bridge camera with manual controls
What will you learn?: Stuck for time?This photography course is designed to follow on from our 7 week or one day DSLR photography course compressed into a single day with lunch included in the price. Think of this course as the level 2 or second step, this course introduces more complicated and creative techniques and how to get more out of your camera, from how and when to use TV/S A/AV modes on your camera, to Histograms, focusing modes and burst modes. As well as techniques on composition and creative shutter speeds and much much more.
What level of photography required?: Intermediate – Improvers
What is the cost?: €125
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this one day improvers photography course: here
1 Day Studio Photography Workshop
1 Day Studio Photography Workshop in Dublin
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or any camera with a hotshoe
What will you learn?: the one day studio course is designed to introduce you to how to use a photography studio properly and includes, where and what studio lights you should buy, for different budgets as well as safety and posing. This course is designed to teach the student lighting patterns, how to light a subject, and what lighting patterns should be used where. We start from the very bottom and show you everything as you have never stepped foot in a studio before.
What level of photography required?: Novice – however we recommend that you have at least a understanding on how to change the basic settings on your camera like ISO and Fstop.
What is the cost?: €125
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this studio photography course: here
1 Day Wedding Photography Workshop
1 Day Wedding Photography Workshop
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or bridge and flashgun recommended
What will you learn?: this one day course is a effectively a mock wedding, we have a beautiful bride and groom, with full make up and all the trimmings. This course will take you through how to photograph a wedding. And will teach you posing, key shots, how to prepare, and organise yourself before a wedding. This course is ideal for anyone looking to become a wedding photographer, build a portfolio or somebody who has been shoot a friend’s wedding.
What level of photography required?: Improvers – intermediate
What is the cost?: €165
Where is it held?: Kimmage, Dublin 6W
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this wedding photography course:here
1 Day Photoshop Workshop
1 Day Photoshop Workshop
What photographic equipment will you need?: nothing at all, everything is provided.
What will you learn?: this course is designed to teach you a basic photographers workflow in photoshop, from RAW processing, to curves, levels, cropping, sharpening, retouching, and colour correction. All in the fantastic multimedia labs in Rua Red Arts Centre in Tallaght.
What level of photography required?: Beginners – Novice
What is the cost?: €140
Where is it held?: Rua Red Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this photoshop for digital photographers course: here
1 Day Street Photography Workshop
1 Day Street Photography Workshop
What photographic equipment will you need?: Digital SLR (DSLR) or bridge camera with manual controls and a 50mm fixed lens is recommended
What will you learn?: This workshop gives a bit of theory in the classroom and then you hit the streets of Dublin with tutor who will show you the when the where and how of street photography. Our tutors will show you how to get the most out of your camera and surroundings with fantastic tips and techniques.
What level of photography required?: Beginners – Novice
What is the cost?: €99
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this Street Photography Course: here
1 Day Flash Photography Workshop
1 Day Flash Photography Workshop
What photographic equipment will you need?: DSLR & Flash Gun
What will you learn?: this course is designed to get you to grips with your flash gun, how and when to flash, how to mix flash with ambient light, how to bounce, diffuse, direct flash and how to improve your flash photography. This course assumes that you have never handled flash before and will start from the very basics.
What level of photography required?: Beginners – Novice
What is the cost?: €99
Where is it held?: Dublin City Centre
Where can I find out more information?: see the Dublin photography school Website for more information on this Flash & Speedlite Photography Course: here
Practical Photography Course in Kilfane Glen & Waterfall with Dublin Photography School
Check out our website http://www.dublinphotographyschool.ie for full details
Load up your photography kit bag and your comfy walking shoes and join us as we head down the country to Kilfane Glen and Waterfall. Kilfane is a picturesque paradise with a waterfall tumbling it’s way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage orné. It is made up of tiny bridges, which sit among ancient trees, wild fox-gloves, ferns and other historically correct 18th century planting. To capture the true essence of the place, you have the gardens, which cover about 15 acres of easily accessible natural landscape. These will offer you varied and fantastic photographic opportunities throughout. On route home we will make a stop in the village of Leighlinbridge (meaning ‘half glen of the bridge) on the river barrow, and on Mount Leinster (the highest of the Blackstairs Mountains) for more unique photographic opportunities and panoramic views. This excursion is designed for digital SLR or bridge SLR users.
Detailed information, pricing and booking are all attached in the link Here.
See the Dublin photography school photography course promo video on youtube here
Stewart Kenny Photography 