PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR

On today’s episode Chris reveals the winners of the last TFTTF Slack Challenge (join the Slack here)- and Release Pixie Ravsitar reveals the new one. Chris and David DuChemin discuss what’s more important, the tech, or The Soul of the Camera (which happens to be the title of David’s new book too). David duChemin is a world & humanitarian assignment photographer, best-selling author, and international workshop leader whose adventurous life fuels his fire to create and share. Based in Victoria, Canada, when he’s home, David leads a semi-nomadic life chasing compelling images on all 7 continents. His work can be found at DavidduChemin.com Socorro, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico. Silky sharks playing behind our dive boat gave us a great excuse to make some photographs. Photo: David DuChemin Gabra women dancing, North Horr, Kenya. Photo: David DuChemin Singing Well. Nachoto Galmagaleh. Photo: David DuChemin RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: The Soul of the Camera David DuChemin Craft & Vision SPONSOR: get 25% OFF your first order at artbeat Studios Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 779 David DuChemin: The Soul of the Camera appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris is back from his Arctic photo travels on the s/v Noorderlicht around Svalbard, together with a wonderful group of photographers and he brought home some stories. Learn about Spitzbergen, the world’s biggest laboratory, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (and if it’s really flooded from melting permafrost), Ny-Ålesund, Barentsburg and Longyearbyen. Hear about the Svalbard wildlife, including reindeer, birds, seals, walrus, polar fox, wales and about our exciting polar bear encounter. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: Video: Svalbard/Spitzbergen Photo Expedition with Chris Marquardt Video: Svalbard Dogsledding Svalbard / Spitzbergen photography by Chris Marquardt Longyearbyen – Wikipedia Barentsburg – Wikipedia Ny-Ålesund – Wikipedia Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Interactive Visit Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Wikipedia The Guardian’s article about the flooding of the Seed Vault (hint: it’s overblown) SPONSOR: Fine Art Printing by Art Beat Studios Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 778 Arctic Sirens appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris takes a closer look at ND filter systems and helps you determine what you need – and what you don’t. To make sure you have ample time to practice until this summer .. let’s do an early start and talk about how to shoot a solar eclipse. Also if you send in a question by Jun 10 2017, Chris will send you a little surprise. Instructions inside the show. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 777 Too Much Light appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

In this special episode we’ll find out if “having something” is better than “needing something”, we’ll learn what’s so magic about dipping your fingers in chemistry, and you get to listen in while Chris talks to a particle physicist at the Large Hedron Collider project about how to produce dead pixels on your camera sensor. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 776 Making Dead Pixels appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

TJ sends in a follow-up on his extension tube story and how he solved it.. Chris takes a look at SpaceX and how they make use of cameras and Doug had a creative experience with fireworks and wonders if there are more creative things you can do with photography. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: SPONSOR: Skillshare SpaceX attaches GoPro cameras to rockets Falling Back to Earth | HD Footage From Space Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 775 GoPros in Space appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris takes a look at what you can achieve with an extension tube, why you should know that there are different kinds of extension tubes and how the professionals do their macro photography. There’s talk about Nikon CPU and non-CPU lenses and Chris will also use this episode to bring you something that he just talked about on another podcast: why if you’re going film, self developing it is essential when you shoot black and white. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: SPONSOR: none

Chris takes a closer look at the economics of monobath developer, an exploration why the Lab Box is still a great idea and how to avoid sticky fingers when trying to coax a roll of 120 film onto a development reel. On the digital side, Chris looks into free image editing tools on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and even on Blackberry. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: GIMP – GNU Image Manipulation Program Google Nik Collection (free) Paint.NET – Free Software for Digital Photo Editing (Windows) darktable | the photo workflow software (free) Polarr: Smart Photo Editing (not free but very multi-platform) New55: Donald Qualls’ monobath recipe New55 R5 Monobath Developer Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 773 The Economics of Film appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Kade asks about lens resolution (is there such a thing?), Chris discusses the Lab Box for film development, Gerald wonders which lens to buy and Chris gives some general lens buying advice. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: Support TFTTF on Patreon Great ways to support Tips from the Top Floor The Film Photography Handbook by Chris Marquardt and Monika Andrae Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 772 Lens Resolution appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris messed up and answered a question that wasn’t even asked. Let’s fix that and discuss the difference between circular and rectangular ND filters. TFTTF gets some online recognition, Chris posted a 360 degree video of Lake Baikal, and double-goof: Chris had the new challenge introduction all along. Well, it’s never too late. Also a look at if and why a macro lens makes for a good portrait lens. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: Support the show on Patreon and get exclusive early access to content TFTTF gets some online recognition: The Best Podcasts for Photography Lovers & Creatives 360 degree video: Walk Lake Baikal (watch in Chrome or in the YouTube app) The new Slack Photo Challenge Get on the TFTTF Slack here SPONSOR: Search the app store for KEEPSAKE and use promo code topfloor to get 15% off your first order Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 771 Chris Dun Goofed appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris has a closer look at failed photo-related crowdfunding campaigns, Job needs advice on a 3D camera and Gerald wonders about the difference between a linear and a circular polarizer. Plus: the review of the current Slack photo challenge. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: Become a Patreon supporter and keep this show independent Failed crowdfunded drone: Onagofly F115 Failed crowdfunded drone: Zano Failed crowdfunded drone: Lily Camera Failed crowdfunded 3D printer: Pirate3D Slack Challenge entry #1: Eyes of Wonder by Ken Cole Slack Challenge entry #2: Portrait of John Kenn Mortensen by Micheal Nielsen Slack Challenge entry #3: Nusha by Chris Blaszczyk Creepy Monsters Drawn On Sticky Notes By John Kenn Mortensen Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 770 The Biggest Failures appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris analyzes the claim that you can develop film in beer and comes to the conclusion that that’s unlikely. But he knows how it was done. There’s a recap of the question on color-blind photography (more in the episode linked below). Also some conclusions about the ongoing Anchor experiment.. it’s not looking rosy. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: A Use for that Last Cup of Coffee: Film and Paper Development (Dr. Scott Williams and the Technical Photographic Chemistry 1995 Class, Rochester Institute of Technology) Anchor, stop crippling your success – Chris Marquardt’s Soapbox “Beernol”: How to Develop Your Film with Beer · Lomography Develop Film with Beer? It’s Possible | PDNPulse Search: caffenol | Flickr Organic Acids in Coffee Coffee, Tea, Or Vitamin CKitchen Chemistry In The Darkroom | Shutterbug tfttf707 – Color Blind – PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR Color Blindness Tests | Colblindor SPONSOR: Audible – You can’t make more time, but you can make the most of it. Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 769 Does Beer Develop? appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

John Michael wonders how to speed up his Lightroom and Chris goes into the intricacies of setting up and using different preview sizes, smart previews and how the right setup can make Lightroom much faster. Chris also answers the question on why he upgraded to the 7D Mark II – the answer might be surprising. Sean wonders if he should get a regular ND filter or a variable one and Chris explains the differences and why one is probably better than the other. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: Chris on Anchor (you can submit your call-ins there too!) FREE: Chris’ Lightroom workflow Support Chris on Patreon Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 768 Lightroom Speed Boost appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Joan isn’t quite happy about the sharpness of his photos of people and Chris does a few sophisticated guesses on what he means and how to counter it and get sharper photos of people. Kevin wonders how to tame the flood of RAW and JPG images in his Lightroom and if he needs both at all. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: 2018 Photo Tours with Chris: Ladakh, Ireland, Norway, Morocco Free workflow: 1 Hour 1000 Pics by Chris Marquardt Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 767 What is Sharpness? appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Today Chris will tackle the tough questions. Terry wonders about photography in science and Chris elaborates on a few techniques and wonders how it relates to the arts. And Kevin wonders about the ethics of photography at a women’s protest march. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: 2018 Photo Tours with Chris: Ladakh, Ireland, Norway, Morocco Free workflow: 1 Hour 1000 Pics by Chris Marquardt Cell Size and Scale Wellcome Image Awards – Science and Arts Wellcome Image Awards 2016 [YouTube] Photographer’s Rights [Bert P. Krages – Attorney at Law] Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 766 The Tough Questions appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Chris talks about HDR and about carrying two heavy cameras on a frozen lake. He also has a little favor to ask from you: please fill out the podcast listener survey at podsurvey.com/topfloor High Dynamic Range Photography Chris also dives into High Dynamic Range and takes a closer look at the ins and outs. The topic can be a bit controversial, depending on who you ask. Some like the over-the-top colors and contrasts. For others it’s a subtle way to get more detail in the shadows without too much additional noise. High Dynamic Range photography has many facets. It is usually a multi-step process. Step 1) take several photos with different exposures. Step 2) merge them into an HDR image. Step 3) do tone-mapping, e.g. map the large space into a smaller one for the screen or for paper. Most HDR software hides the complexity and wraps HDR creation and tone-mapping into a seamless procedure. Chris’ favorite tool is Lightroom because of its subtlety. If you want the painterly-like stronger results, you should check out Photomatix or Aurora. RECEIVE EMAIL FOR NEW EPISODES Links: Take the TFTTF Podcast Survey! Software: Lightroom Software: Photomatix Software: Aurora Travel with other listeners of the show: photo tours with Chris Download the MP3 for this episode Receive TFTTF updates via email Photo tours with Chris Marquardt: » May 2017: Svalbard — Arctic (sold out) » Oct 2017: Bhutan — The Happiness Kingdom (only 1 spot open) » May 2018: New York Tilt-Shift » Aug 2018: Ireland — Giant's Causeway » Sep 2018: Norway — Lofoten Fantastic Fjords » Oct 2018: Morocco » all photo tours The post 765 All Things HDR appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.