AboutDavid Barry Expertise I have a lot of experience in most traditional forms of photography, so I`m quite knowledgeable about things like camera types and formats, techniques, exposure, film types, colour, filters, lighting, standard colour and black and white developing and printing.
I do not make recommendations about brands or models, and I am not a camera technician so I may not be able to tell you what is wrong with your equipment if it`s not working .
I also know a little about digital photography and imaging with scanners and digital cameras, so ask me and I will answer if I can.
Experience Experience in the area
I have been seriously involved in photography for over 25 years, including about 4 years as a professional, as well as 2 years providing administrative service to government photographers, requiring interpreting photographers' requirements and trade technicalities for those unfamiliar with such.
I have successfully trained several beginners in photography, helping them to become competent in basic techniques.
Organizations belong to:
None at present, but have been in about 4 camera clubs, having won or had placings in 2 club competitions.
Publications:
A lot of my photos have been in educational / training manuals, books and some photography magazines, as well as 2-3 dozen images been on the Web so far.
Education/Credentials:
Completed 4-year diploma in professional photography technique at Sydney's Technical College
Awards and Honors:
3 placings and / or merits in camera club competitions.
Expert: David Barry Date: 11/14/2006 Subject: Lighting
Question Hi I was wondering if you can help me. I am just starting off with my home studio. Im having trouble with my lighting. When I take a picture, it has a orange tint to it. Mostly the skin tone is orange. What can be the problem. Im using a Canon EOS Rebel XT digital. Not sure how far away my lights should be away from my subject. So any help would be appriciated.
Answer The orange tint sounds like a result of the wrong 'White Balance' setting on your camera.
Because artificial lights (such as electric lamps in most homes - which I presume is what you're using) emit a different colour of light to that of outdoors/sunlight, the 'White Balance' (WB) setting on your camera needs to be adjusted to match the light.
On your camera, there is probably a button marked WB and a menu which has different settings such as 'Daylight', 'Tungsten', 'Shade', 'Cloudy', 'Fluorescent' etc.
Choose the Tungsten setting when you use those indoor electric lamps. If you're not sure how to do this, the operating instruction manual should be able to guide you.
When you revert to shooting outdoors with Daylight (sunlight or cloudy), just remember to change it back to the correct setting for those conditions, otherwise your pictures will probably be too blue.
The lights need be only as close as necessary to get enough light on the subject to allow a suitable exposure setting on your camera. There is no one specific distance that's always right. Mind you if they are too close, they may cause the subject to get very hot.
Experiment - if you can - with the lights at different distances and angles, and take some test shots until you get the results you like.
It might pay to take notes of the camera exposure settings for future reference so if you need to take similar shots in the future you can refer to the notes.
