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Photography/Questions Answered by Expert David Barry

SubjectDate Asked
holga 120n camera12/8/2010
  Q: the other day I came across a Holga 120N camera at my friend's house. I was wondering what makes ...
  A: Don't know about in U.S., but here in Australia few if any one-hour labs handle 120 size film. You ...
holga 120n camera12/7/2010
  Q: the other day I came across a Holga 120N camera at my friend's house. I was wondering what makes ...
  A: Although I don't have any personal experience with the Holgas, I know someone who owns one and they ...
lighting problems12/1/2010
  Q: I recently went from the Sony alpha 100 to the Canon 50D Love the Canon. but I have a problem when I ...
  A: Firstly, the white balance has little to do with too bright or too dark problems. Do you use the ...
exposing at night11/16/2010
  Q: there is a lunar eclipse coming up this year and I want to be able to take a photograph of it with ...
  A: I have actually seen one of these eclipses and although the redness of the moon was amazing, it was ...
exposure10/11/2010
  Q: I am trying to understand how to properly expose photographs. I know that I can carry around an 18% ...
  A: Joey, The reason for using grey card is that it is a consistent reference for brightness and ...
Old film camera10/3/2010
  Q: I recently inherited a Olympus OM-1 from 1976 and was excited to begin shooting with it. I bought ...
  A: Nicola, This is too hard to give an overall, generalised explanation for, because the symptoms and ...
photos9/4/2010
  Q: are these photos any good thanks http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexpower10/
  A: Alexandra, First the good news. Generally all well exposed. You seem to have mastered the ...
antique light meters8/21/2010
  Q: Greetings, I picked up a Weston Cadet model 852 light meter at an estate sale recently, and after ...
  A: Well I think that lightmeters in general are not 'antiques' but specifically those made by Weston as ...
glass slides and prints from slides and negs8/5/2010
  Q: I have a collection of glass slides, 1930"s?, and the projector... I was wondering if there was a ...
  A: Ruth, if I may answer your questions in reverse order. 2. Company / store that prints ...
L206/28/2010
  Q: I just wanna say when it comes to photography I SUCK and I wanna learn so I decided to buy this ...
  A: Daniel, I generally don't do recommendation/condemnations of specific makes models of camera, ...
L206/27/2010
  Q: I just wanna say when it comes to photography I SUCK and I wanna learn so I decided to buy this ...
  A: ISO : Is a measurement of how efficiently the camera's sensor responds to the light and influences ...
L206/25/2010
  Q: I just wanna say when it comes to photography I SUCK and I wanna learn so I decided to buy this ...
  A: Sorry for delay, bombarded with spam & other millions of emails in short absence. I can sort of ...
Beseler 67C enlarger6/25/2010
  Q: David : By chance do you know how to align the lens on a Beseler 67C enlarger? I have the base done ...
  A: Richard I know the Beseler 23 model came with a user-adjustable lens stage, but not sure the 67 was ...
emailing photos6/19/2010
  Q: my son is an amateur photographer and took some very good photos on a recent trip to western canada. ...
  A: Thelma It would be easier if I knew what type of computer (Windows, Macintosh . . .) and software ...
Glass plate negatives5/16/2010
  Q: Are there particular museums/educational institutions/sites that would be interested in a collection ...
  A: Helen, Possibly, although I dare say that most places that would be interested in such things would ...
Very urgent !!!!!!!5/2/2010
  Q: hey I’m busy with a project concerning photography. i am in need to find out what salary extents ...
  A: I can only partially answer this question, mainly because it's been so long since I worked in the ...
What is this?4/4/2010
  Q: I am trying to figure out what something is that belonged to my grandfather, who was an active ...
  A: From the brand name in magnify2.JPG, and your description and what I can make out from magnify1.JPG, ...
megapixels, prints2/22/2010
  Q: I hope you don't mind a "compound question". What is the least megapixels one could get by with to ...
  A: To answer your second question first, I think it depends on the market where you are selling them ...
Extent of damages to Jumbo film rolls,due to light exposure?2/20/2010
  Q: I am a professional Insurance loss Assessor, one of the claimants has imported some jumbo unexposed ...
  A: Gautam Without seeing the damage for myself and based on just what you've described so far, it will ...
different prins1/18/2010
  Q: I was wondering if you could clarify some of the differences between home inkjet prints and store ...
  A: Firstly, I can only speak in terms of my own experiences, so my answer may not apply to all kiosks ...
using multiple flashes manually1/2/2010
  Q: Using my current vintage cameras with fully manual settings I'm looking to increase my shooting ...
  A: To be honest it's quite a long time since I last used flash, so can't actually remember the formula ...
exposure12/29/2009
  Q: I am trying to understand the basics of the camera when setting exposure. I have been reading a book ...
  A: Let me use a hypothetical example : IF you measure the light directly off something darker or ...
exposure12/23/2009
  Q: I am trying to understand the basics of the camera when setting exposure. I have been reading a book ...
  A: Joey You only need to decrease the shutter / f-stop IF you read the exposure directly from the dark ...
camera obscurity ???7/13/2009
  Q: I find this quite bizarre and not sure if this is what it is called. Our house in France has window ...
  A: I think you might mean camera obscurA, unless there was a pun in there which I didn't get. Anyhow, ...
Indoor lighting for shooting posters7/2/2009
  Q: David, I am the owner of a silkscreen poster printing company. For the past 3 years we have shot our ...
  A: Have you already tried shooting the posters using D60 with its inbuilt flash, setting camera on ...
b/w digital6/4/2009
  Q: I'm a senior citizen who had a darkroom years ago. I will soon venture into a digital SLR, but my ...
  A: There are not so much varieties of paper (to my knowledge), in terms of say, warm, neutral or cool ...
Glass negatives5/10/2009
  Q: have some glass slides with film negatives on them. What are they? are they collectors items? Some ...
  A: Some glass negatives could be collectors' item, depending (so I believe) on their condition. I would ...
color temperature4/23/2009
  Q: I am a keen amateur & use a D300. I struggle with white balance settings. Most of the time it ends ...
  A: Yes a colour temperature meter would be worthwhile if you are meticulous and critical about getting ...
color temperature4/22/2009
  Q: I am a keen amateur & use a D300. I struggle with white balance settings. Most of the time it ends ...
  A: Yes, AUTO white balance in most if not all cameras usually struggles in mixed light, because it's ...
blurriness,graininess4/9/2009
  Q: I took pictures for a wedding and they developed them ( I don't know where ). I have a canon rebel g ...
  A: For the blurriness there could be several reasons for that, but I would need to see some examples up ...
Studio Lighting3/27/2009
  Q: I have 2 600 watt continuous light umbrella lights in my studio. When I take pics with a light ...
  A: No not a white balance problem, more to do with brightness and contrast, and exposure settings. The ...
Studio Lighting3/25/2009
  Q: I have 2 600 watt continuous light umbrella lights in my studio. When I take pics with a light ...
  A: OK. Are there any yellow-colored objects near the person (not necessarily in view of camera)? My ...
Studio Lighting3/25/2009
  Q: I have 2 600 watt continuous light umbrella lights in my studio. When I take pics with a light ...
  A: 2 thoughts come to mind: * when you say "a light coloured background" do you mean light yellow or ...
Exposure3/6/2009
  Q: I REALLY need some help figuring out exposure. I understand the elements that determine how much ...
  A: Well OK for on-demand shooting bracketing may be a bit impractical, but even then if you aim meter ...
Exposure3/5/2009
  Q: I REALLY need some help figuring out exposure. I understand the elements that determine how much ...
  A: You may have noticed that your camera's light meter fluctuates when you aim camera at brighter or ...
hello2/12/2009
  Q: am a beginner just like that hobby photography . planing to buy a DSLR digital camera , but ...
  A: Some web sites to look at: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/ to help you understand some ...
double exposure problem2/8/2009
  Q: I just picked up some photos that were double exposed, but no one in my family knows any of the 2nd ...
  A: Well I have not heard of any cases of a used roll in new packaging to date, but that does not mean ...
double exposure problem2/8/2009
  Q: I just picked up some photos that were double exposed, but no one in my family knows any of the 2nd ...
  A: The only thing that I can think of, from your description, is that it sounds like someone has ...
digital cameras2/2/2009
  Q: i am starting a small photography studio at home.so any good idears on whats the best photo digital ...
  A: That is like asking how long is a piece of string ?, or how high is the sky ? Do you know what ...
LCD monitor on digital camera1/28/2009
  Q: I have a Pentax S6 digital camera. I have purchased a hood for the monitor to cut down the glare ...
  A: There is a type of paper you might call non-glare (for example, tracing or drafting tissue available ...
large format1/25/2009
  Q: I have been out of LF for years, but I want to get back into it. I cannot remember the lensboards ...
  A: The lens determines the size, so you will need to check the specifications for the lens and get a ...
lighting1/10/2009
  Q: I take indoor pictures with a Canon rebel xt digital camera. The pictures are of our products to put ...
  A: Not sure I understand how the flash glare is occurring. Is it reflecting off something ?, or is the ...
film stuck in camera12/6/2008
  Q: have Minolta 35mm/srt200/i have taken 24 exp and was getting ready to take out of camera and the ...
  A: First, I hope you haven't opened the back of the camera yet. Do NOT, repeat NOT, open the camera ...
filter11/26/2008
  Q: i saw your question about the filter sher I R day and night. I´ve got the same one and i don´t know ...
  A: Not sure I understand your first sentence. UV filters are very, very, very pale cream in colour, ...
slides11/23/2008
  Q: Most are 35mm. But there are some in different sizes I need to know how to identify. A - large, ...
  A: A - large, square, takes up most space in 2x2 mount. I think this might be 127 format, a fairly ...
lenses11/22/2008
  Q: An easy one. Can you confirm that it is ok to use both a polariser and a u/v filter together. ...
  A: It's only "OK" in as far as there is nothing to stop you from doing it, and you will get a picture. ...
Quick Question10/8/2008
  Q: I'm so sorry to bug you but, I have another question. On my lenses, it's a "Canon" 28 to 135 mm ...
  A: I believe the white numbers 1 to 10 is the scale of focusing distances in meters, while the green 4 ...
Books for Beginners9/25/2008
  Q: Barry, I have recently come across a Pentax K1000 camera. After some research on this SLR, I am ...
  A: For a start, hopefully your Pentax was accompanied by an instruction manual to help you learn the ...
Far objects9/12/2008
  Q: How may I get the best photo for far persons or animals (more than 1 mile far)? I need to obtain the ...
  A: You will need a very powerful lens, and of course, a camera which will fit such lens. I don't know ...
processing film7/17/2008
  Q: i want to learn how to view film before taking it to get developed, without loosing the pictures. i ...
  A: Yes you still have to be in a darkroom. That is so you - hopefully - don't lose the pictures. You ...
processing film7/15/2008
  Q: i want to learn how to view film before taking it to get developed, without loosing the pictures. i ...
  A: Wow almost 4 years. In principle, that is well and truly long enough, but still, they may not be ...
glass negatives7/15/2008
  Q: I have my great grandfathers glass negatives and would like to have them developed. Is there anyone ...
  A: Lynn, Perhaps you don't understand the meaning of 'developed' ; if you have the negatives, that is ...
processing film7/14/2008
  Q: i want to learn how to view film before taking it to get developed, without loosing the pictures. i ...
  A: Sorry to disappoint you, but that is ALMOST NOT possible. Did someone tell you it is - maybe a ...
silver prints fading to sepia6/5/2008
  Q: I'm embarrassed to ask this- I teach darkroom photography, and I've been noticing that many of my ...
  A: Sounds most like the "poor wash habits leaving too much fixer" but, potentially "hypo check not ...
research6/1/2008
  Q: 1.what different types of film used in photography and how will they affect on make-up designs? 2. ...
  A: There are several ways to define type of film: * Colour or black-and-white (b&w). Colour films are ...
lighting5/6/2008
  Q: Im trying to be slack, and get professional looking photos, without doing a 3 year degree! (or get ...
  A: ". . . wanting photos to use alongside the paintings." Photos of what ? Paintings of what ? ...
flash outside5/2/2008
  Q: im wanting to take my photography to the next level and use exterior flash units. Im wanting to ...
  A: What I understand from strobist is just a flash which can be used off the camera, instead of being ...
50MB assignment4/29/2008
  Q: I have been asked by a client to shoot photos for the company at 50MB in Tiff file format. Can my ...
  A: As far as I know, the Canon can not produce TIFF files directly, but it should be able to produce a ...
daguerrotypes3/16/2008
  Q: David, Would you please explain to me exactly what a daguerreotype is and how it was made? I see the ...
  A: The Daguerrotype was, not the very first, but one of the earliest types of photographs ever made. ...
Film3/9/2008
  Q: Greetings...My question is this. I'm always at odds about when traveling by air about film ...
  A: Well it's hard to say whether film would be more protected in the camera or in the packaging. ...
ABOUT APTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED2/22/2008
  Q: I'M STUDYING NO AND I'M SO CONFUSED,i have this question : imagine that youre photographing action ...
  A: Well yes it does (RELATIVELY), but I think the "cloudy day" factor was thrown in as a trick. You ...
ABOUT APTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED2/22/2008
  Q: I'M STUDYING NO AND I'M SO CONFUSED,i have this question : imagine that youre photographing action ...
  A: Let's look at this problem in a logical way. By the way it's NOT apture, it's apERture First: ...
Teaching 35mm B&W photography2/2/2008
  Q: Greetings David, I am a high school art teacher in Cincinnati, OH. Next year I will be teaching a ...
  A: Bravo for keeping the film and developing fraternity alive . Suggest either 100 or 400 film speed. ...
Dageurrotype pics1/29/2008
  Q: I was wondering if there is a technique to take a regular B&W photo, either film or digital, and ...
  A: Shame about the destroyed Daguerrotype - I'm led to believe good ones can be worth a nice sum of $. ...
Lighting purchace1/23/2008
  Q: I am about to purchace my first light kit and m in need of an opinion. I am on a tight budget and I ...
  A: While I decline to comments on brand/make vs brand/make, the 2 year warranty suggests a better ...
Best1/2/2008
  Q: My question is actually about lighting my home, but it stems from my understanding of photo ...
  A: Roger Not sure I can answer entirely satisfactorily, but happy to lend my thoughts. I agree with ...
lighting/flash11/24/2007
  Q: I have a Canon Rebel xt with the 580 flash and i just got the omni bounce since i take a lot of ...
  A: Firstly, you did not say which version of the OMNI bounce you have, since there are several types. ...
Location and Time11/12/2007
  Q: I would like to know if there is a website that lists the best out door location for Dallas TX. Also ...
  A: Can't help you on websites for Dallas locations. Maybe one of the other Experts will know. As for ...
film type10/31/2007
  Q: can any 35mm camera use 1600 speed film
  A: Most if not all 35 mm cameras can take 1600 speed film. The size of camera does not restrict the ...
lens brightness9/8/2007
  Q: I understand that the 'f' rating for a lens specifies how "bright" it is and, therefore, how well it ...
  A: No, the physical outside diameter of the overall lens does not necessarily influence the ...
Quick Question7/17/2007
  Q: In order for me to produce a sharp image when I hand hold a camera with 100 mm lens, what shutter ...
  A: Anything faster than 1/100 Automatic diaphragm allows you to frame and focus your shot and check ...
h7/13/2007
  Q: how long does it take for 35 milimiter negatives of 4x6 photos to fade? when pix fade do they do so ...
  A: how long does it take for 35 milimiter negatives of 4x6 photos to fade? There is not one length of ...
Information on photo restoration5/29/2007
  Q: I recently brought a new scanner and new printer to assist me with photo restoration. My question is ...
  A: > should I or can I calibrate the laptop screen ? Most definitely you SHOULD do it, but whether the ...
how do I operate my Rodenstock-Ysarex lens?5/27/2007
  Q: Mr. Barry, Since you were kind enough to give me a timley and great answer to a previous ...
  A: It's no bother John, your questions certainly are NOT inane, but this one has actually got me ...
least expensive fuctional lens selection5/3/2007
  Q: Mr. Barry, Hello to you sir! I just purchased my first large format camera. Since I am a ...
  A: John You didn't mention which size of large format you chose : 4 x 5" / 5 x 7" / 8 x 10" . . .? ...
white balance4/28/2007
  Q: Canon Rebel XT. My question regards white balance. I have a number of insect eggs and plan on ...
  A: My question : why a hot pink colour board in particular ? If it's not too late and you haven't ...
Group Portrait4/5/2007
  Q: David, I'm taking a group and individual shots of 22 elementary school cheerleaders. I have the ...
  A: I know the 18-55 was allegedly not the best quality lens (according to some press reviews), but I'm ...
photography3/29/2007
  Q: I have a digital camera and I've notice that whenever I print pictures out the quality isn't has ...
  A: Now for developing film. Possibly your high school has some facilities (such as a darkroom) for ...
blk/ wht photo3/12/2007
  Q: Thannk...and would you recommend a film camera rather then a digital for blk/wht portraits and would ...
  A: would you recommend film camera rather than digital for blk/wht portraits Not necessarily, ...
35 mm film development3/12/2007
  Q: I appreciate your fast response to my question as well as your assistance. i am beside myself as to ...
  A: First photo - frame 02 : Only 'fault' I can see in this is some small white marks like scratches ...
blk/ wht photo3/11/2007
  Q: What is a good camera to use in blk/wht potrait and landscaping photo? Thanks
  A: I am not going to recommend a brand or make or model of camera, but I will suggest you look for a ...
35 mm film development3/11/2007
  Q: I recently had taken photos for a couples wedding whom had their photographer back out at the last ...
  A: To be honest, I'm not 100% sure I understand the symptoms you describe. At a GUESS, it may not ...
Help on choosing the right camera3/6/2007
  Q: I am looking for a digital camera that takes good quality photos when zoomed in and also as decently ...
  A: No I don't know anything about those exact cameras, and I do not make recommendations about specific ...
home studio lighting3/2/2007
  Q: I have a Canon Rebel EOS that I just bought and I wanted to start taking pictures of my two children ...
  A: Tungsten can be easier to work with because you can see the effects of the lights (where the shadows ...
high contrast b&w2/22/2007
  Q: I'm a big fan of high contrast b&W images. Currently I shoot digitally, and then take the red or ...
  A: As far as film goes, you've got a couple of choices, depending on just how much high contrast you ...
studio and lighting1/21/2007
  Q: I am just starting out and am trying to set up my own small studio. My interest is primarily using ...
  A: Suggestions for lighting just as they come to mind, not necessarily in order of importance : * Try ...
lighting1/2/2007
  Q: I am thinking about investing in a "starter kit" for some studio lighting. I am pretty sure that ...
  A: It's been a while since I last did any buying or research of lighting equipment, so what I know may ...
Photo props12/27/2006
  Q: www.myspace.com/talcampbell .Can you goto this page and tell me what prop is this photographer using ...
  A: To me it looks simply like either a highly polished white floor, or possibly a sheet of white or ...
Photgraphing Swing Dancers.12/20/2006
  Q: I'm interested in taking photos of social dancers, Swing, Salsa, Tango, etc. Most of these venues ...
  A: No I don't think it's a totally lost cause, but to stand a chance of getting reasonably sharp images ...
lenses12/8/2006
  Q: Is it possible to focus all lenses manually? For example, if a lens is advertised as AF, does this ...
  A: I can't be 100% sure, but most lenses should be able to focus manually. AF does not necessarily ...
I also have a S3 IS Powershot Canon and need to take jewellery pics11/26/2006
  Q: I cannot however seem to get the right background of white...I have the cubical and all the lights ...
  A: When you say that "cannot get the right background of white", what do your pictures look like - is ...
Lighting11/14/2006
  Q: I am just starting off with my home studio. Im having trouble with my lighting. When I take a ...
  A: The orange tint sounds like a result of the wrong 'White Balance' setting on your camera. Because ...
settings11/10/2006
  Q: I have a kodak c340 digital camara. Its my first digital.The problem I have is, when I change ...
  A: I can't speak specifically for your Kodak, but numerous cameras have a "Custom" or "Favourite" ...
night photo10/24/2006
  Q: As a beginner, I am doing some freelance automotive photography for a few magazines. I will be ...
  A: Even more important than the timer, is to use a tripod or some kind of firm, solid mount for the ...
jewellery photography10/18/2006
  Q: I have a canon powershot S3 digital camera.(6.0 mega pixels). I want to take photographs of ...
  A: Firstly, I am not familiar with the features, specifications or capabilities of the Canon S3, so I ...
duratrans10/14/2006
  Q: Can you please tell me what a duratran is and does? Thanks!
  A: Duratrans is a transparent printing materiel, like a very large colour slide (TRANSparency) film, ...
about reflectors10/9/2006
  Q: I am just starting up professional photography. I have a great eye, but I don't know much about ...
  A: If it is the type of reflector I think you mean, these are often used to reflect light into deep ...
glass negatives10/2/2006
  Q: What was the first camera ever made and who invented it i looked online and i got a few different ...
  A: This all depends on your exact definition of camera. I can't say for sure about the very first ...
glass negatives9/29/2006
  Q: What are glass negatives and how do they work from years ago.
  A: Back in the very early days of photography, long before film as we know it was invented, photographs ...
memory card9/28/2006
  Q: How would I know if a particular digital camera would take a big memory card, such as a 2GB or 4GB ...
  A: Besides reading the manual, is there any other ewy to be sure before bying a bigger card ? Maybe ...
Cameras and Lighting9/17/2006
  Q: My son is an amateur photographer and is trying to start a small business taking photographs at ...
  A: What I think you mean is a flash that is mounted at the side of a camera, or even away from the ...
Question regarding lenses for my new Canon EOS Rebel XTi9/13/2006
  Q: Based on your experience, I was hoping that you could provide some guidance for me! Background: I ...
  A: Body only OR the camera with 18-55mm lens? Well, unless you already have other lenses to fit on ...
Lighting confusion8/26/2006
  Q: I am in desperate need of some advice and would appreciate any you can give me. However, you’ll ...
  A: I may have to do this in instalments because what you have asked covers a lot of territory and I may ...
window lighting7/21/2006
  Q: I made a wall put it on rollers and put a window in it .since i dont have a natural window at my ...
  A: whats the best way to position the lights ? should i put the main light behind the window to get the ...
What camera should I buy7/19/2006
  Q: I wanna put together my own modeling portfolio.I think I need a better camera then what I currently ...
  A: Your present camera could possibly do a decent job, with some different techniques to what I imagine ...
Magnets7/14/2006
  Q: Will film cameras (not digital) have their existing pictures erased or damaged if exposed to a ...
  A: Reasonable question. I think I can understand why you might ask such a question. There is a silver ...
report on photography business7/10/2006
  Q: I'm a college student taking a business class this summer. Our teacher assigned us businesses to ...
  A: Firstly, I do NOT have and never have had a photography business. I only worked for a few years as a ...
Animal friendly film7/6/2006
  Q: A musician friend of mine wants some promo shots doing but she's a hardcore vegan and wants to know ...
  A: Sorry to disappoint you and / or friend but as far as I know gelatin is an essential ingredient of ...
colour photography6/18/2006
  Q: I'm in my 2nd year of college as photo major at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. I've only ...
  A: No you don't need a special camera. Colour film fits in and works in all the same cameras as B&W. ...
Polarisers6/13/2006
  Q: Hey, I thought it was a bad idea to point a camera lens directly at the sun, but a friend told me ...
  A: Your original thought was more correct than your friend's comment. Although it depends on how high ...
glare onb photo6/9/2006
  Q: Please can tell me is there anyway to reduce or remove glare from some photo's I have. I am using a ...
  A: I am not familiar with Photofilter program. Does it have a filter called Polariser or Polarising ? - ...
Slide Film6/7/2006
  Q: After my father passed away I found a roll of film in his belongings that had been shot over 30 ...
  A: It's possible that this film can NOT be developed in today's chemistry. My guess is that it is of ...
help with 35mm5/25/2006
  Q: Was looking for some info on 35mm film as I have never use a film camera Situation is a festival so ...
  A: For the film, stage pictures at night time, I would recommend something in the vicinity of ISO 1600. ...
Dust in my zoom lens4/5/2006
  Q: I see particles of dust inside my Albinar ADG Zoom lens. Is this a common problem? Can I take the ...
  A: I don't know if it's common for the Albinar make, but it's not something that should occur if you ...
Depth of Focus3/28/2006
  Q: I have come across Depth of Focus, I cannot seem to get my head around what it is and why it is so ...
  A: Ah yes these 2 terms often confuse. As you [probably] know depth of FIELD relates to distances ...
Photos stuck together3/22/2006
  Q: What is the best way to seperate older photos that have been stored and have become stuck together?
  A: I can't necessarily say it's the best way, but one way I have often found (not always) successful is ...
Transfrerring digital pics fromCD tocomputer3/14/2006
  Q: Using Photoshop Album and Elements I wish to transfer all photos on CD to my computer at one time. ...
  A: You do not even need to use Album or Elements to do that. All you need to do is: If you're using ...
Magazine Photos2/24/2006
  Q: As a marketing director I design ads for my company that are published in local magazines. I need ...
  A: Probably the best camera type would be a digital SLR, of about the 6 Megapixel capacity range. A ...
Lighting - meters, grey cards2/21/2006
  Q: I am trying to perfect my photography, I have a good 'eye' but recreating that through the camera ...
  A: > I have a good 'eye' I envy you, I wish I had a good eye > but recreating that through the camera ...
Fake or not?2/20/2006
  Q: Can you tell me, is this picture FAKE or not? If is it fake...can you tell me why? ...
  A: It is possibly fake, in that 3 of the people are all off the ground at the same time. I think that ...
lighting2/14/2006
  Q: Using a Canon EOS how would I go about taking pictures using 1)florescent lighting 2) overcast ...
  A: I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at, but I will try to answer anyway, based on what I think ...
Exposure2/8/2006
  Q: I am so confused, I understand the lighting ratio in studio photography but still can't quiet ...
  A: The main light is, presumably, lighting the most important part of the picture. So the aperture ...
Lighting for taking shots of clothing1/25/2006
  Q: What type of lighting do I need to take well lit pictures of clothing on dress forms, to sell on ...
  A: Just a straight strobe flash aimed directly at the clothing will produce a fairly harsh, ...
taking photos of pauses scenes while viewing a dvd1/22/2006
  Q: ..i am an artist on the central coast of california...while viewing dvd movies, sometimes i see a ...
  A: When you say unclear I presume you mean unsharp / blurred. I've always found that copied TV images ...
What is best Lens for portrait and wedding?12/18/2005
  Q: What is best lens for portrait and wedding customs?
  A: For portraits, short to medium telephoto size is usually best. For weddings, it depends on exactly ...
Stepping up or down12/16/2005
  Q: I've recently purchased a DSLR. Up to that I was a point and shoot type of guy. I hear see the ...
  A: To answer the questions not necessarily in order: "Hand held" usually means holding the camera in ...
Help with monolights12/11/2005
  Q: For the last year I have been using my Nikon SB 800 and two SB 600 to experiment with some different ...
  A: On the face of it, sounds like a bargain I vaguely remember a brand of studio flash called Comet ...
DARK PICTURES11/28/2005
  Q: I AM TAKING PICTURES INSIDE GYM OF BASKETBALL GAMES SO FAR ALL OF MY PICTURES HAVE TURNED OUT ...
  A: I can only offer some guesses, since I don't know much about Olympus Superzoom and its capability. I ...
general photography9/13/2005
  Q: I want to know what is the basic job description and daily activities of a general photographer? ...
  A: Brittney, First I must qualify my answers : I no longer work as a professional in the photography ...
Scan slides to jpg, burn jpeg to CD-R, view on tv8/12/2005
  Q: Computer used: HP Pavillion ZD7000 (XP Home) No alterations were made to this computer. Connected ...
  A: Don't know if I can help much here, only some possible suggestions, without being sure. Fact that ...
doublers7/31/2005
  Q: I have a doubler and from my understanding it will take a 50mm lens and make it equivelent to a ...
  A: Actually, a correction: A 2x doubler makes the f-stop from 2.8 to 5.6 So two doublers used ...
Starting out7/22/2005
  Q: I am looking at getting back into photography. When I was in high school I was the editor of the ...
  A: Where to start ? well ... Is there a professional photographer or publicity studio or local ...
Need Help...Please!7/5/2005
  Q: I own a Canon AE-1 Program and have been using it off and on for wildlife photographs. I am ...
  A: For blurred photos there's 2 possible reasons: a. your camera has moved/shaken, or the subject ...
Disposable camera6/27/2005
  Q: Someone suggested it would be a good idea to keep a disposable camera in the car in case I am in a ...
  A: Yes: Even moderate heat and humidity will certainly shorten the life of film, and can even cause ...
film setting choice5/21/2005
  Q: I am about to do some black and white sport shots for a photo book. I shoot Tmax 400. Would you ...
  A: It probably would not hurt to up the speed, to give yourself a bit more flexibility in exposure, to ...
Outdoor Portraits/ Beginner equiptment4/11/2005
  Q: I am a beginning photographer with somewhat limited equiptment. I have been asked to take the casual ...
  A: What you heard may have been applicable to the lens of who told you - it's relative to whatever lens ...
digital image3/27/2005
  Q: ..my wife and i both have the same digital camera..after downloading, is there anyway to tell which ...
  A: Don't know for sure. Without knowing just what models you have, I dare say they would both use the ...
lens Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.63/8/2005
  Q: I am trying to determind the minimum aperture for this lens. AF28-200mmF/3.8-5.6LD Aspherical IF ...
  A: Although I wouldn't know for sure about your lens, there is what (I imagine) appears to be an item ...
Filters and Digital Camera's2/11/2005
  Q: This is the description of what I bought for it ... KODAK - Black and White Neutral Density Filter ...
  A: Well at least it tells you what filter size - 55mm - to ask for in the shop. Suggest you take your ...
Filters and Digital Camera's2/10/2005
  Q: I have just purchased a DX7590 Kodak Digital Camera .. and while there are numerous filters to chose ...
  A: There are filters actually called fog filters, made by big-name filter manufacturers like HOYA, ...
Film2/10/2005
  Q: I've recently purchased an AF SLR camera for which I intend to use on various arts projects. I'm ...
  A: I don't know of any such thing as 'rough quality' film. Film generally only turns out poor quality ...
digital photo sizes2/7/2005
  Q: I am an artist and need some advice about taking digital pictures of my paintings (jpeg format). I ...
  A: Rebecca, Hope you'll excuse me making some assumptions and using a bit of maths to help answer your ...
photo distortions1/30/2005
  Q: I've taken slide film of paintings and the results show a warping effect. The tips of the vertical ...
  A: This distortion is mainly caused by: a. The film plane (the back of the camera) not being perfectly ...
Digital 3.2MP vs 16MP imaging1/23/2005
  Q: I have a Canon EOS D30. I have 3,2mp resolution with this camera. I am thinking of going to a ...
  A: Generally there would not be any advantage in a higher MP camera for only 10 x 12 (I presume you ...
digital file size reduction1/4/2005
  Q: 1. Is there an easy way to reduce the file size of a picture. 2. Can many pictures be reduced at ...
  A: 1. Is there an easy way to reduce the file size of a picture ? If you are working with a digital ...
reducing glare or reflection12/21/2004
  Q: I am taking pictures of meter scale plexiglass tank models indoors with artifical backround lighting ...
  A: I presume you have already tried positioning the reflecting objects - if they can be moved - out of ...
flash12/1/2004
  Q: I have some general questions regarding flashes: 1. I was looking for dedicated TTL flashes for my ...
  A: Firstly, I'm not familiar with these particular camera models, so I can only give very generalised ...
flash question12/1/2004
  Q: How are you? I have a question regarding external flash. I would like to purchase a flash for my ...
  A: Eric I do not make suggestions / recommendations / criticisms of specific models of equipment, ...
Cannon PowerShot A75 digital11/20/2004
  Q: I recently bought this camera and took about 38 photos that was what fit in the memory card. I ...
  A: > each pic is a JPG image file of about 1/2 to 1 megabyte in size. Is this normal size for a digital ...
hi rez to lo rez11/12/2004
  Q: I have a 4.0 megapixel camera. Pictures taken with high resolution tend to be very large (i.e around ...
  A: 1. One way is to reduce the resolution, either in the camera (if it provides a feature to do this) ...
fireworks photos10/9/2004
  Q: I'm going to be attending a fireworks demonstration soon and want to try my hand at taking photos of ...
  A: Any film speed is OK actually, but DON'T use your camera on auto or with flash if you can help it. ...
Camera Future9/30/2004
  Q: I would like to know what you think the camera will look like in the future. Thank you for your ...
  A: Probably, in the foreseeable future, the majority of cameras will look like a hybrid or mix of still ...
digital camera9/24/2004
  Q: How are you? A friend of mine purchased a digital camera (Fuji Finepix S7000). To his big surprize ...
  A: I'm not familiar with the Fuji, so don't know why whis would be so. Perhaps the instruction manual ...
Filter9/14/2004
  Q: While on holiday I was talked into buying a protective filter for the lens of my Konica Minolta A2 ...
  A: Definitely a good idea to get a protective filter for your lens. But I don't recognise the name of ...
circular polarizer8/26/2004
  Q: How are you? I recently started experimenting with circular polarizer filters. I shot a few test ...
  A: Eric Your last point (...anything you put in front of lens...) is true to a marginal extent, but ...
Slide Scanning8/3/2004
  Q: David, I'm just starting to take photos with slide film (I used to shoot with B&W and colour film). ...
  A: One option you could try before investing in equipment and software, would be to get a reasonable ...
circ polarizer7/23/2004
  Q: How are you? I am thinking of buying a circular polarizer filter for my camera. I am an amateur ...
  A: > 1. I have 62mm diameter & 58 mm diameter cheap Nikon lenses. Would you get 2 cheaper filters (1 ...
Enlarging Lens for 4x57/5/2004
  Q: I'm thinking of buying an enlarging lens for a 4x5 camera. I think I should be after a 135mm. Is ...
  A: Generally your thinking is right. If you find any on ebay, an apochromatic enlarging lens, eg, ...
Enlarging Lens for 4x57/4/2004
  Q: I'm thinking of buying an enlarging lens for a 4x5 camera. I think I should be after a 135mm. Is ...
  A: Yes either 135 mm or 150 mm are suitable for 4x5 format, but most if not all enlarging lenses do not ...
film types6/30/2004
  Q: I normally just use Fuji 200 film, but would like to start taking more professional looking prints. ...
  A: Amy, could you to clarify what do YOU mean by more "professional-looking" prints ? More colourful ?, ...
Photography4/27/2004
  Q: My son made a pinhole camera and is using black and white photographic paper to make a picture. We ...
  A: Kelly A pinhole cameras - what fun ! It is definitely a case of OVERexposure Perhaps either : a. ...
cheap but good film4/25/2004
  Q: question2) do you know a cheap but good source of film to buy. I am in uk?
  A: Firstly, I NEVER buy 'cheap' film - because I consider my photos to be priceless memories of my ...
what film for taking photos in the desert?4/25/2004
  Q: I am going Namibia for a month this summer, while I am there I plan to take lots of photos.... so ...
  A: Gretl How I envy you (got spare room in your luggage for a stowaway passenger ? ;-) ) But to ...
damaged film3/22/2004
  Q: I recently took my predeveloped film to Walgreens to have them digitalize the pictures. I got my ...
  A: Alas . . . another victim of Walgreens . . makes me wonder how they are still in business If they ...
photo3/4/2004
  Q: ------------------------- how do you workout the apertture/shutter speed combination? Is there a ...
  A: I'll answer your questions in reverse > . . . don't know the mm measurement. i think it is ...
scanned photo3/2/2004
  Q: I have scanned a 8x10 photo and wanted to reduce to 5x7. It reduced ok but one subject has a sport ...
  A: > . . . but one subject has a sport jacket with checks after reducing it the checks looked funny. ...
photo3/1/2004
  Q: Followup To Question - hi i have just purchased a canon a60 digital camera. Is has several modes, ...
  A: > no matter what i do i can't get blur effect in background! i have iso set to 50, aperture to ...
Slides1/9/2004
  Q: Is it possible to convert slides to photos? I have a zillion slides of sentimental value that I ...
  A: Sorry for being pedantic, but slides ARE photos: they are one particular type of photo, as opposed ...
Cleaning restoring slides and pictures12/2/2003
  Q: "Hello" David and thanks for answering. My first question involves slides.I have a variety of old ...
  A: Although I have not a lot of experience in doing this, I have had some luck in cleaning slides. I ...

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David Barry

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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.

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