70 South Gallery - Lighting Workshop
The 70 South Gallery - Lighting and Model Photography workshop was a huge success. Thanks to some great organization by "Adventures in Photography" (NJ, NY and New England) and the 70 South Gallery, Morristown, NJ. The workshop was sold out and we were fortunate to have decent weather for some of the outdoor shoots. I would like to thank the participants, the models and the organizers for all the hard work and support that made this so awesome.Studio lights were Profoto and Arri, outdoor speed lights were Nissin and personal on and off camera flashes. Lastolite reflectors and the Phottix Luna but dish were also incorporated in the various sessions.
Martha's Vineyard - Memorial Day Weekend Workshop
In case you’ve missed it, Adventures in Photography (AIP) has organized a 5 day/4 night workshop on Martha’s Vineyard over the Memorial Day Weekend where I will be instructing.This is rare opportunity for photographers and their non-photographer partners to share some quality time together.Photographers get to photograph the beauty and charm of this unique island community while their non-photographer partners explore the charming New England character of Martha’s Vineyard.Adventures in Photography (AIP) has reserved all of the Ashley Inn's 10 rooms from May 22nd until May 26th. We can accommodate 20 people based on double occupancy. The Ashley Inn is an upscale B&B and breakfast is included.We still have a few rooms available but expect that they will sell out.For a full description of this Adventure go CLICK HERE
2015 First Quarter - One Day Workshops
Wishing you and your families a Very Happy & Prosperous New YearThe One Day Workshops for the first quarter of 2015 have been posted.They are listed on the One Day Workshop PageORYou may go directly to the Registration Page to get details and register.All one day workshops include a Pizza Lunch
When Plagiarism Hits Home
During most of my 1 day workshops and seminars, I am often asked for a copy of my slides or a set of notes. On occasion I have had attendees use their smart phones and iPads to capture images of each slide. On a few occasions, I have had someone discreetly record my entire presentation. I have never said any thing. I have had one known occasion where what I presented was used by someone else as their own work.I am always torn between whether to give a copy or not. This is a difficult situation. A lot of work goes into putting together a workshop, the research, the content, the hands-on, and even the notes. For someone to take and use the very same for personal gain is unethical and this has come to light in a few recent cases. Two well known photographers who were well respected in the photographic community were found plagiarizing and as a result have had to pull out from the next WPPI.Now, a recent case has emerged where a photographer/videographer attended a workshop and subsequently used pretty much the same material, the same verbiage, the same examples and the same references to do his workshop on Creative Live. This is like saying, not only did I steal but let me show the community what I stole.More on this at https://www.slrlounge.com/stolen-workshop-unfortunate-common-trendTheft in the photographic world is not new. Copyright infringement is not new. What is so disturbing is that the very photographers who are trying to protect their own copyright have shown little regard or respect for a fellow photographer's or a fellow artist's work.Frederick van Johnson discussed this on the most recent episode of This Week in Photography entitled Theft vs. Creative Inspiration - TWiP 341. Of significance are: what , when and how you should give credit if you use someone else's work.Can you as photographer condone this?Your thoughts and comments would be most appreciated. Use the comments section on this post so that all my all Facebook, Google, Twitter readers and other social media followers can read your posts.
2014 - 1st Quarter One-Day Workshops
Here is the schedule for the first Quarter of 2014. Please use this REGISTRATION link for details about each workshop and to register.REMEMBER ALL ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS INCLUDE A PIZZA LUNCHJanuary 11 - Product Photography and Lighting TechniquesJanuary 12 – Food Photography and Lighting TechniquesJanuary 18 – Lighting for PortraitureJanuary 19 – Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assemblyJanuary 25 - Macro CloseupJanuary 26 – The Digital Darkroom – a course that covers capture to process and enhancement to output to print and web media. A one day program for digital image making workflowFebruary 1 – Flower Photography, Textures, Blending and moreFebruary 2 – Lightroom 5February 8 – HDR – done right using Photoshop, Photomatics, NiK HDR Efex 2, EnfuseFebruary 9 - Macro CloseupFebruary 22 – Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assemblyFebruary 23 - Photography Basics 1 day Class March 1 – Flash PhotographyMarch 2 – Lightroom 5If you have any questions or would like more information please call 617-759-0010 or email sv @ shivverma.com (please remove the spaces)
Frederick Van Johnson of TWIP interviews me
So honored to have been interviewed by Frederick Van Johnson on Episode 339 of TWiP. If you have not subscribed to TWiP you must - it is one of the best Podcasts for photographers bar none.Click Here for a link to the podcastTWiP is available from iTunes as well as http://www.thisweekinphoto.com[video type="youtube" id="TEJ1XpaMbI0" width="400"]Default Message[/video]
Lighting Demo and Educational Program
I am truly honored and proud to have been selected to demonstrate and teach lighting for Manfrotto. They represent Gitzo, Elinchrome, Lastolight, Gossen and more of the finest.Join me for a day at Hunts Melrose or a 1/2 day in Hanover.This is a great educational experience as well as an opportunity to check out some fantastic lighting gear. Some of the finest manufacturers products featured in one location.The event is free but you need to register.
December 2012 - One Day Workshops
The One-Day workshops for December 2012 are now available. Please reserve your spot early as these do fill up fast.Click Here to be directed to the One Day Workshop Page and the reservation form. Call 617.759.0010 if you have any questions.
A few comments that have come in from the Cape Cod Workshop
We had a wonderful group of great photographers on this 4 day workshop. The cold, damp, cloudy and rainy weather did not prevent us from having a good time, a learning experience and some interesting photography, albeit the "Light of Cape Cod" was missing.I would like to thank each and every one who attended and to let you know how much your participation meant to me.
The image above was captured at Highland Headlight AKA Cape Cod Light on the night of Super Moon - that is thick fog in the background.A few images from Dave Uliss as a slide show:
Here are some of the comments:Shiv's workshop was one of the best I've ever experienced. It was full throttle, non stop. The exercises(handouts); really helped me to stay focused and think about how to compose my images. I must say that I really began to see landscapes and subjects, with a new perspective. Most importantly, I captured images that I'm pleased with. I definitely will attend Shiv's workshops, in the future. Your time and money will be well spent. Paul Ware5/7/2012 4:11 PMYes, as I had started to share with you, on Sunday's coffee break; I began to feel as though in a meditative state of mind. Point of Rocks, although not a favorite spot was rewarding just the same. Eventually, an image came together for me.5/7/2012 4:11 PMYes, it covered far more than expected. Benefiting my growth as a photographer.5/7/2012 4:11 PMI would certainly recommend any of your workshops, to anyone. I was extremely pleased. Carole P. Kenny5/7/2012 3:41 PMIt was most helpful, and more than expected, thank you.5/7/2012 3:41 PMConsidering the weather I certainly admired your ability to have a meaningful lecture ready at all times. You had a seamless program, whatever the situation5/7/2012 3:41 PMeven with the gray skies and rain, the workshop was worth every penny.5/7/2012 11:18 AMIn spite of ridiculous weather conditions, Shiv was able to flexibly reorganize and regroup to make the most of a challenging situation. He is a great instructor and very approachable, responsive and encouraging.5/7/2012 9:28 AMShiv has a way of presenting material in a very clear manner. He is inspiring to all levels of photographers and is very accessible and helpful in the field as well as in the classroom. Susan Fahlund5/7/2012 9:24 AM
Lighting Demystified - Date Change April 29 to April 28
The April 29 workshop will now be held on April 28thThere are two spots open for April 22nd - Yesterdays workshop was sold out and was awesome.Click Here for Details "Lighting Demystified Workshop"Here are some comments from the post workshop survey:
As an advanced amateur with limited lighting experience, this course gave me a good overview of lighting fundamentals and their application in a variety of challenging situations. In addition, this course will provide me with a good basis for future lighting exploration as I further my photography skill set. Thanks Shiv!
4/16/2012 9:14 AM
I learned a tremendous amount about lighting. Concepts were explained, misconceptions eliminated and techniques to succeed were taught. The best of all was how to do this without spending a ton of money on equipment!
4/15/2012 9:45 PM
The workshop was excellent, I am glad I was made aware of it from a fellow camera club member. I really liked Shiv's teaching style, he got into the technical details of light and made sure everyone understood each concept before he moved on.
4/15/2012 9:06 PM
I just spent a day at Shiv Verma's workshop on understanding Artificial Lighting. I came away from the workshop with a clearer understanding on the importance and the use of artificial lighting as well as the different types of lighting currently available. I highly recommend this program to the serious photographer interested in improving their skill set as well as gaining a better understanding on mastering light. Zig Cape Cod
4/15/2012 8:48 PM
Lighting Demystified
Announcing three One Day Lighting Workshops April 15, 22, and 29, 2012. Each workshop is limited to 8 participants and is from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Workshops include a Pizza Lunch. Click Here for Details.Information on these and other workshops is available in the Workshops section of this web site.
Comments from attendees of my last Macro and Close-up workshop on the 25th
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the participants for attending and helping make the workshop so enjoyable. I too learn from you during my sessions - photography is all about sharing and learning from each other. Thank you all for your wonderful feedback - I truly value and appreciate it.Here is what the participants had to say.I found the tips on how to do macro less expensively (Home Depot solutions) very valuable.I thought the presentation followed by the hands-on session was perfect. It allowed for questions to be answered and bugs to be worked out before you were alone trying it for the first time.I picked up lots of good tips in the morning session. All in all, an excellent day.Would like more hands-on - possibly a second day of all hands-on and outdoors.After hearing you speak last summer, I was looking forward to the workshop. Exceeded my expectations. Thanks, Shiv. Dan LoganShiv presented the overall basics of macro photography, but also gave specific training in Helicon Focus software. I appreciated advancing my macro skills with a technique I had not known. It was a very enjoyable day.I knew a lot of theory of Macro photography prior to the workshop, however I lacked the experience of actually taking images. Shiv's workshop gave me a lot of that experience. I had tried Helicon Focus about five years ago when it first came out. This workshop brought me up to date about Helicon Remote which automates much of the process of actually taking the multiple photos. This minimizes much of the manual frustrating work. Kent MessamoreShiv is truly a fantastic workshop leader. He shares all of his information with you freely rather than holding back "tricks of the trade". He is knowledgable and has come up with some ingenious ways of making your photography dollars stretch by making your own equipment rather than buying expensive gadgets. I look forward to taking another workshop with him in the very near future.Shiv is very technically knowledgable and has the organization to teach what he knows.Shiv delivers smoothly-paced training with lots of useful tips and plenty of visual examples, and he makes his expertise available during the hands-on session. A day well-spent.Shiv is truly a professional. His expertise is clearly evident. I would not hesitate to take another class with himIf you want to know more about macro and learn focus stacking this is a great workshop. The first part of the day is a comprehensive overview of different macro subject matter, as well as your "shopping list" and tips on saving money on the things you will need. The afternoon hands on part of the workshop has plenty of set-ups and items you can move around so you can shoot what interests you. Shiv is very patient and helpful, and will instruct on anything you ask to make sure you have a great experience.
Comments from this weekend's Macro and Close-up workshop participants
I would like to express my sincerest thanks to all the participants who attended the workshop this weekend. Most of all thanks for your wonderful comments - I am glad you all came away with something of value from the session.Comments from the participants:Shiv is a very knowledgeable photography instructor. He presents his material so that everyone can understand the concepts. He was very thorough and open to answering students' questions. He gave out a lot of useful, practical information that was well worth the price of the course.This workshop was fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to learn about Macro or Micro Photography.Nothing beats this small group format for a workshop. It really provides a one on one feeling in addition to getting to practice what you learned with your peers. All this plus having someone there with Shiv's expertise to answer and questions, which he encourages you to ask, makes for a great learning experience. I would do this again in a heartbeat. -MattThis workshop was very informative from the presentation right through to the hands on. Shiv's skill as a workshop leader comes with his ability to articulate difficult concepts in a way for the lay person to understand. I highly recommend!!The information flowed well-the presentation was easy to follow. hands on with instructor assistance was outstanding. I would attend another seminar/workshop by Shiv any time. Bob B.Your work lead me to believe that I could learn something from you. Just didn't realize how much. You packed a lot into this workshop....well worth the price.Really enjoyed this and would do it again in a heartbeat.After attending many workshops, this is one of the best. Concepts around macro shooting are difficult to understand and your examples were clear and helped me immensely! I truly appreciate your ability to articulate a concept clearly and concisely. Thanks for a great day...inviting house, lunch and lots of things to work on!I particularly like how other participants more experienced help out those with less. I felt people were not intimated at all and were free to acknowledge their weaknesses and learn...you helped a great deal with that by announcing that no question was weak...everyone learns something.Depending on one's own level of experience...more experienced photographer will get more and those with less, get less but everyone comes away with something...a sign of success in my book. No presenter can meet everyone's needs but can make an impact even in a small way.The presentation included a lot more detail and information than I expected.
Checking for Monitor Reproduction
Last evening I presented "Screen to Paper" at the Gateway Camera Club. A number of members and guests requested verification charts for monitor calibration. So here is a brief and the charts.Shadow Reproduction:Create a Photoshop image as in the image below; It is a square with three levels of grey: RGB 0 0 0, 8 8 8, and 12 12 12. Macke sure that your monitor can resolve all three levels
Brightness & ContrastUse the following chart to ensure that the Brightness and Contrast settings are correct. Each band should be distinct and visibly separate from its neighbor.
Now using Photoshop create a 6 inch by 1 inch Photoshop image at 72 ppi. Using the the gradient tool to create a gradient from black (RGB 0 0 0) to white (256 256 256). Make sure that the shadows and highlights can be resolved. There should be no banding or breaks in the display.
Color VerificationThe three primary color charts are for reference. You should be be seeing the full range of color steps as in the grayscale chart above. Unlike the grayscale chart the extreme ends on the primary color charts ale less distinguishable. Please do not use these charts to make color adjustments. they are provided for verification only.
All the charts are available as a zip file that can be downloaded. Click Here.
Macro & Close-up Photography Repeat Session - March 11, 2012
- Black Eye Susan Stacked Focus Result
I will be repeating the 1 day Macro and Close-up photography workshop on Sunday March 11, 2012. We will start at 9:30 AM and conclude at 5:00 PM. A pizza lunch is included.In this macro photography workshop you will learn how to take beautiful macro photos like a pro. You’ll be able to take eye catching macro and close-up photos with great detail and sharpness.Click on this Macro & Closeup March 11 link for full details and a description of the program.
The January 29 - Macro Workshop is now full
I will schedule another session for March 11, 2012. The program will be the same. Please indicate the appropriate date in your registration form.
CIPNE Presents "Tim Tadder On Assignments"
A fascinating look inside the production of award-winning advertising campaigns for major consumer brands.
Monday January 9th 2012, 7:30–9:30pm
More details are on the CIPNE website at www.cipne.orgLOCATIONLensProToGo152 Commonwealth Ave.,Unit M-1, C,Concord, MA 01742