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Lester Picker
United States
Приєднався 22 вер 2010
My UA-cam channel is designed with thoughtful, passionate photographers in mind. With more than 50 years experience in photography, and numerous teaching awards, my goal is to help you excel. Included here are tips and techniques to help you improve, thought-provoking discussions, and answers to your photography questions.
I have more than 650 published articles and images in major national magazines, including National Geographic Publications and dozens of others. I am a Moab Master Photographer and am sponsored by Moab Fine Art papers & Canon Large Format printers. I was awarded the prestigious, juried Best Travel Photographer award by Canada Northern Lights. But enough about me. What about YOU? Are you willing to learn, engage and improve? If so, this site, as well as others I recommend, should help. Welcome, and thank you for joining me on this journey to more dramatic, impactful photography!
I have more than 650 published articles and images in major national magazines, including National Geographic Publications and dozens of others. I am a Moab Master Photographer and am sponsored by Moab Fine Art papers & Canon Large Format printers. I was awarded the prestigious, juried Best Travel Photographer award by Canada Northern Lights. But enough about me. What about YOU? Are you willing to learn, engage and improve? If so, this site, as well as others I recommend, should help. Welcome, and thank you for joining me on this journey to more dramatic, impactful photography!
Announcing The Paper Arts Collective Contest & Exhibition
This international exhibition is open to all photographic artists producing work on paper.
Get all of the details for submission, prizes, and rules:
paperartscollective.com
Get all of the details for submission, prizes, and rules:
paperartscollective.com
Переглядів: 530
Відео
Print Mounting On Gatorboard
Переглядів 22 тис.4 роки тому
Brief introduction and tips to mounting your fine art prints to Gatorboard. I'll share some thoughts about cutting Gatorboard, what types of adhesive to use, and a few creative display options to get you started if you've not tried this before. If you want to use Glamour 2 as an adhesive, mix the can thoroughly and use full strength. Basic tools & supplies I use: Glamour 2: amzn.to/38JmSy6 Stan...
Mounting Your Deckle-Edge Prints
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
Consider this part 2, a follow-up to the previous video discussing a technique to create beautiful hand-made deckle edges on your fine art prints. I discuss a few mounting options to finish the print display based on questions from a viewer. How to create beautiful deckle edged prints: ua-cam.com/video/3xxrhT9bPJc/v-deo.html Get the complete guide to fine art ink jet printing free here: fineart...
Hand Made Deckled Print Edges
Переглядів 7 тис.4 роки тому
The simple secret to authentic and classic looking deckled print edges. After testing many different ways and tools to enhance the hand-made look to our prints, I've found this super simple technique to produce the best looking results. No specialized tools, you probably already have what's needed. Get the free guide to fine art printing with Adobe Lightroom here: fineartprintebook.com/ Follow ...
5 Considerations For Sharp Macro Shots
Переглядів 4,4 тис.4 роки тому
I was testing my Fuji GFX 100 macro setup and found a few surprising things I did not expect. Watch the video to get a few tips for getting sharp macro shots, not only for the GFX but for any system. As always, test, test, test and get to know your gear to get the best results. Follow me at lesterpickerphoto.com/ Get your free copy of our Fine Art Printing eBook here fineartprintebook.com/
Yukon Territory: A Photographer's Journey
Переглядів 7304 роки тому
Photographic description of Canada's Yukon Territory. For those of you interested, for the past 15 years Les offers a 10-day photo adventure tour of Yukon. See his website for details (lesterpickerphoto.com). This video was actually made back around 2013. Interested in a free eBook on fine art printing? For a limited time Les' 163-page, fully illustrated guide to Fine Art Digital printing is av...
Moving From Lightroom To Capture One (livestream replay)
Переглядів 7854 роки тому
I have slowly migrated from Lightroom to Capture One over the last several months. I wanted to share a few of my experiences both positive and negative with anyone else that is considering the move or has made the move. Please join me if you can. Free Comprehensive Guide To Fine Art Printing In Lightroom: fineartprintebook.com/ Capture One's Tutorials: learn.captureone.com/?_fs=6d3...
10 Things I Like About The Fuji GFX100 (and 5 things I don't) Livestream replay
Переглядів 19 тис.4 роки тому
I've been shooting with the GFX 100 since I could get my hands on one (about 8 months now). I knew as soon as it was announced I'd be adding it to my gear given how much I've loved the GFX 50. Now that I've had enough time with it I thought I'd do an informal live stream to discuss my experience with it from the perspective of a photographer who makes LARGE prints. I'll also answer as many ques...
Secrets To A Successful Portfolio
Переглядів 8764 роки тому
Replay of Live Stream from 4/21/20. Les discusses portfolio development, the editorial process, and shows several examples of physical portfolios. Special thanks to our sponsor Moab Paper Get your free copy of the complete guide to fine art printing here: fineartprintebook.com/ For more info on our Portfolio Development Workshop: lesterpickerphoto.com/products/portfolio-workshop/
Fine Art Canvas (Part 2 - Mounting)
Переглядів 1,5 тис.4 роки тому
I'll walk you through some important points when mounting canvas that will get you the best results that will not only look fantastic but will also last. I will also discuss why framing sticks are super important as well as some tricks to make your corners look perfect. See Part 1 for coating and preserving your canvas prints. ua-cam.com/video/SDOo9C4IPMo/v-deo.html Tools needed Hammer (for set...
Fine Art Canvas (Part 1 - Coating)
Переглядів 1,5 тис.4 роки тому
I walk you through coating your fine art ink-jet canvas for ultimate results and longevity. Part 2 will cover important points when mounting and stretching for beautiful results. Part 2 with important canvas mounting tips is now available ua-cam.com/video/GROstJx2TX0/v-deo.html If you are interested in digital fine art printing, you can download my comprehensive, 163-page, fully illustrated eBo...
2019 Yukon Photo Adventure Trailer
Переглядів 5294 роки тому
One of the photo adventure tours I offer to a limited group of photographers wanting a truly unique experience of photogenic destinations around the globe. More Info: lesterpickerphoto.com/types/tour/ #yukon #yukonterritory #canada #photographyworkshop #lesterpicker #lespicker
Iceland A Visual Tour (Tony Sweet) Book Review
Переглядів 3674 роки тому
Iceland A Visual Tour (Tony Sweet) Book Review
i1 Studio Review and Operation - Part 1 Monitor Calibration
Переглядів 3,8 тис.5 років тому
i1 Studio Review and Operation - Part 1 Monitor Calibration
Learning From Photographic Masters (Salgado, McCurry, Brandt)
Переглядів 6 тис.5 років тому
Learning From Photographic Masters (Salgado, McCurry, Brandt)
Free Comprehensive Lightroom Guide To Printing
Переглядів 8295 років тому
Free Comprehensive Lightroom Guide To Printing
Shooting Verticals: Up Your Photography Game
Переглядів 8775 років тому
Shooting Verticals: Up Your Photography Game
Spectacular Tombstone Valley, Yukon Territory
Переглядів 5806 років тому
Spectacular Tombstone Valley, Yukon Territory
Wallpaper installation at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Переглядів 9926 років тому
Wallpaper installation at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Photography Workshop in Acadia National Park
Переглядів 5237 років тому
Photography Workshop in Acadia National Park
When you do the test in landscape mode, and then turn it to portrait mode, It stays the same?
Yes, it stays the same.
ha! saved me again with this video. and I was the last to comment, watched it a half decade ago and forgot the whole process. awesome thanks.
You are most welcome. Glad it helped.
Thank you for the brillant recommendations, especially the stainless steel brush to rough up the edges.
You are most welcome!
Hello! I really liked your video! Especially about the EVF-TL1 angle adapter! That's why, as an old Nikon fan (since 1988), I would now like to get into the GFX system. First of all, I would like to buy a Fuji GFX 50 S at auction and the angle adapter and as a lens the Fujifilm GF 45-100mm 1:4 R LM OIS WR. That's what I'm trying to start with.😃 I have the Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS and the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR in the back of your mind! 🤔Thank you for your video and all the best....Matthias👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀
I trust my palette is still in it's place, that it still gives you the pleasure you once stated. There are 2. But I've roughly decided (thought process only) that I should have one too. Be well Mr. Picker. Thank you.
Hey, Mark. Yes, the Narmer palette is still in place and admired by all who visit my studio and office. You are the Master Craftsman Stonemason! Contact me via email and let me know what you're up to nowadays. I now have 4 novels about Ancient Egypt on Amazon and the best seller is the one about King Narmer.
@@lespicker Good morning Sir. Thank you so much. As you well know, It and I have a long history, so much so, I feel the need to do it again. I have a compounded problem however. The material itself. Quarries are fresh out of the quality slates needed. Stone stores are shark infested territory with so called "Experts". I may have to look long and far for a suitable piece. Many congratulations on your books kind Sir, my fine weathered traveller friend. It was, is, a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, shake your hand, to work for you. Please say hi for me to Narmer. A mace such as his is much needed. Best as always, Mark.
Clear and well sequenced ❤
A bit late to the party on this one, but regarding magazine content, etc, the rise of social media and the displacement of the computer by phones and tablets is another reason to shoot vertical. Witness the rise of UA-cam Shorts and TikTok.
Good points. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Beautiful presentation sir! Are you still using this setup by any chance or were they becoming too bulky and heavy for traveling?
Thank you for watching. The fact is that I still use the exact same setup, despite its weight.
I was looking for a quick explanation on how to best create a multi row panorama. Honestly.... this one was waaaay too long 😉
I see that this is 5 years old. I now subscribe to your Paper Arts blog. I've wanted a GFX or other MF system for some time now but in the last two years I've started doing more and more architectural work for clients. I have been using my Canon R5 and Canon's 24mm T/S lens. It's a great combo and I've been happy with it. But I also know MF files would give me something more. Still it's hard to part with the $ when clients have been happy. This week I got serious about a GFX and had to decide which body. The 100's are so amazing but so expensive. After some research and some soul searching on what would give me what I want and what I really didn't need I decided this original 50s body was it. And it just happened I got an email from a very reputable dealer I've worked with over the years had one used body for sale for $1400 bucks. Of course accessories I want and need doubled that but I still can't wait for it to arrive. I have several architectural shoots coming up as well as a six-day ad campaign shoot for a non-profit. I truly enjoyed what you had to say about the camera. All the things I desired when I first wanted one several years ago are still there.
Wow, has it really been 5 years?? Congrats on making the leap. I think oyu will be very happy with the GFX. I still ove it. Funny side note is that I'm currently selling my GFX 50S and probabnly buying a second GFX 100 as a backup. Best camera I've owned.
Thank you Lester for your details explaining. It’s a very informative video. I hope you’re well and still making beautiful photographs!!!
You are very welcome. Thank you for your kind comments. I’m well and still photographing and teaching photography. Wishing you the very best.
Thanks for the most useful videos. You showed those 2 large prints that were open mounted. Do you by any chance have closer images that show how flush you got it to the frame edge please? Did you do any shadow board type mounting with this gatorboard? Thanks in advance
Being new to computers and UA-cam I am not sure how to ask and get answers to questions, so here goes anyway. What dilution do you use of the Glamour 2 Varnish when using it as an adhesive? I have diluted in 50:50 with water and this seems to thin, it softens the paper too much. Maybe my paper is just too porous and too thin.
When used as an adhesive, you should use it full strength, with an even, but not too thick coat. As you have learned from your experience, adding water to it for adhesive use forces the paper to soak up that water and gets poor results.
That was an amazing lesson. I made my first attempt at a pano today, and after seeing how Photoshop struggled with it, I clearly didn't know the information in this video. Many thanks Lester!
Hi Lester, first I like to thank you for this wonderful instructional video you made sharing your knowledge with us. I am new to the Gator Board. To be honest, I just learned the term “Gator Board”. However, I have been painting for some time now mostly oil on stretched canvas. Just a few days ago, I finished an oil painting on Arches Oil Paper. And I am thinking of framing it with glass. The Arches Oil Papers are similar in Texture to Watercolor papers. My question is can I use the Glamour 2 to adhere the Oil Painting (which is on Paper) to a Gator Board?
Good question and wish I could help. We do not use the Arches Oil Papers as we are photographers and use inkjet coated papers. Not knowing what coatings are used on Arches Oil papers, I suggest you contact the manufactiurer of Glamour 2, They can be found if you do a search for Breathing Color. They are usually very helpful. I hope this helps.
Thank so much Lester. I just did contact them. @@lespicker
18:35 BANGGO! The secret trick that’s so easy. Thanks!
I just bought a mint gfx 50s with only 3,700 shutter count yesterday. 😅😅😅
In the video you say dilute the glamour 2 but in the description you say use full strength. So....use full strength and don't dilute? It looks like it is intended to be used as a preservative coating. Do you paint this over the print? I'm particularly interested in preventing UV fade on colorful prints. But I see that the Moab Desert Varnish does this too. Why this and not the Glanour? If Moab is for matte prints, how does one UV protect glossy prints?
Hi Lester, thanks for this great video. I am trying out your method using glamour glow to mount prints to Gatorboard. In the Video you mention that you dilute the glamour glow. What is the dilution that you use? Thanks.
Clear, well organized and entertaining. Not an easy task with a subject as clear as a politician trying to explain, well, anything. Cheers …
Thanks Dave. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you
I find the first two books you mentioned surprisingly priced in a good way. The third by Nick Brant is a little out of my income bracket at this time. A beautiful book That would be a joy to own!
Thomas, thanks for writing. BTW, you don't need to buy Brandt's books new. Check out eBay. I just saw two copies of his book for under $20 USD! I've also seen them available online used for that price. Good luck!
@@lespicker WOW! Thank you!
Thank you for the vid. Being water based, I’m guessing you delete the Glamor 2 with water?
You can (and should if using as a front-of-print protective fixative. However, for use as an adhesive I use it straight and spread it thinly.
@@lespicker Thank you.
Nice
I have a frame shop that has done a great job of dry-mounting my photo-art on foam board, but they do not offer gator board. Could they use their hot press same as they do with foam board, or is there a different temperature that they would need to adjust to? Thanks very much!
Hi George, they can certainly adhere to Gatorboard. We use our dry press for that constantly. I’m not sure what temp they use for the foam board. We set our press to 210F and press for 2 minutes. Hope that helps.
Lester, this is the first of your videos that I’ve seen, and it was really great. Thank you! I have had some of my photo enlargements done on foam board, but you’re right, they have a tendency to warp, even in our very dry Rocky Mtn climate. I just returned from South and East Africa with a ton of photos to process, print, and dry-mount. Can you give me your sources of supply for the gator board, the adhesive tissue, and the ruler that you showed? Also, when using the tissue, do you cut it to the same exact dimensions of the print? I will be doing mostly 12x18, 20x30, 24x36, and square format up to 30x30. Would you recommend that I invest in a press? I’m an experienced woodworker, so none of what you talked about causing me any concern except using the adhesive tissue. Thanks again!
I source my Gatorboard from different suppliers. Since we use a lot of Gatorboard in the course of a year, I order 4' x 8' sheets and cut to size. However, you can order pre-cut (and pre-adhesived) pieces from several suppliers on the Web. Just search under Gatorboard suppliers. The same s true for the adhesive tissue. You can purchase them in sheets in various sizes or, as in our case, in larger rolls and then cut to size. We especially lie Gudy 831 mounting tissue, but there are many other good brands. And, yes, I basically cut it to the same dimension as the print.
i swear video makers are getting paid by word count.....
Fantastic video... thank you!
Hi Lester, your video was wonderful. I found the explanations easy to understand and will certainly help me a lot in this new phase of producing 360 panoramas. What I found coolest was the fact that I knew that you prefer to use telephoto lenses, I thought wide-angle ones would be better. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you! So glad you found it helpful.
Hi, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Can you tell me why it's easier to set up in landscape mode than portrait mode? I'm asking bc I need to set it up in portrait...
As I explain in the video, the reason to set up in landscape mode to determine the nodal point is that it gives you more lateral movement to see the back post as you move the camera right and left. Of course, when you finally are out in the field shooting the panos, you would want to be in portrait mode to extract as many pixels from the scene as possible.
I bought an adapter and my canon TSE 90mm works very nicely with this camera and with plenty of room for all movements. I tend more to use one of my 4x5s with a graflock/universal back and an adapter plate.
Thanks, Pete. I'm sure some viewers will find this very helpful. As for me, I'm waiting for Fujifilm to release the new 30mm tilt-shift this fall (2023). It's been a l-o-n-g wait!
@@lespicker I’m waiting eagerly for that as well
@@peterearden Okay, Pete, but please wait until I order mine! They're sure to be in short supply. Kidding aside, I hope it lives up to expectations.
@@lespicker most of my bill paying work is large format film and wet plate. I’ll use my TSE and hanging my Fuji off the back of a 4x5 until I’m sure you have yours.
Dude!!!! So helpful ❤
Very much informative. can you please tell what ball head and nodal rails your are using? Look like they very easy to operate and steady too
If I print on 12×36 fine art paper, do I need to heat seal to backboard?
Wonderful tutorial, live view tip makes it so much easier.
Thank you, Murahi. Good luck on your pano adventures!
I would like to thank you for taking the time to explain in detail and for the tremendous effort you put into the shooting.
Hi please can you tell where to get it and the cost.(In US and in UK)
Unfortunately I can't tell you where to get the Gatorbioard (or called Gatorfoam in some places), as I live in the USA. If you search on Google, you'll find many companies sell it, Dick Blick being one of them. It comes in various sizes up to 48" x 96", and either [lain or self-adhesive, and in black, white and cream colors.
10:13 took him long enough, geez! come on, camera guy!
Hi Lester, I had to sign in youTube to give you a thumbs up and to thank you for this excellent tutorial.
Thanks, Jakey. Glad it worked for you.
Very well explained👍🏻
What a beautiful shot
Hello from California!
Excellent tutorial! Thank you.
Excellent video, thanks
Can you calibrate an non pro printer, like a printer you use at home?
ONE MORE "phony" pano-demo. Why "phony"? Because I just don't get it why experienced people.. fail to teach why, what and best how the setup should be leveled, - what is means and what not. Then, a BASIC knowledge (or consequence of that knowledge) ensues that the panning part of the equippement has to be above the leveling. But leveling a tripod is ..plain stupid, if we consider in a correct manner, that tools are here to make life easier. Here, his leveling can be made with the monoball, providing the pano is on top. He would simply have to mount the monoball upside up (or buy and add an additional pano above the monobal. Why ? Because no matter how much pain you put to level the trypod, if your monobal is not totally(!)strait, then you will have the stepped effect you want to avoid (never mentioned), instead of "one band" -alignement of the images (stepped= narrowing the exploitable panorama).
To put this ballhead on its head would make sens so to have the rotating plate on top. Beats me why on earth he does not point that out, instead of saying that "of course; the tripod first has to be perfectly leveled". He who took many years to think about, does not teach this...
Thanks for taking the time to comment, but I’m not understanding what you mean. Would you kindly explain your criticism more fully?
@@lespicker he pointed about a major flaw of your setup which is that in order to rotate the whole pano setup horizontally, you have to have your tripod perfectly leveled as well as your BH-55 which is a convoluted way to do so. You should have a panning clamp on top of the BH-55 in order to accomplish the same thing as the PG-02 HB (Horizontal Bar) bundled in the package setup sold by RRS
In other words, the PG-02 package sold by RRS consists of the same PG-02 VA you have which allows to rotate for vertical multirow, but also of the PG-02 HB Horizontal Bar which allows to pan horizontally. Since you don't have this last part because you built your own kit, you have the CB-10 10 inch bar clamped to the BH-55 ballhead. So in order to pan horizontally, you have to level both your tripod AND the ballhead independently. So what the person commenting above was saying, is that if you were to mount in some way your BH-55 upside-down, you would find yourself with a leveled panning clamp on top, allowing you to pan horizontally. Does this make sense?
In other words : When only Horizontal Pano are the goals (for correct panos; producing to stich strait continuous band already before any cropping - vs when un-levelled : stepped band producing lots of unusable "dents') and one has a ballhead, then use it "instead" of a leveling plate, or instead of (painstakingly) leveling a naked tripod. Since ballhead typically come with a rotating base (actually to be able to orient the nobs to where it feels best), this can / should be flipped so to be on top. So the ball is (ONLY) used to level (to your liking ! - here no need for buble-leveling). You dont need to worry (at all!) about putting up the tripod strait in the first place (other than hight and stability). And now since the pano-plate is on top (You can still orient the ball locking mechanism in your most convenient position!) put the camera on it (vertically in portrait orientation), but best on a nodal rail), and swing along. (Or; leave the ballhead as they are sold, in a mean way: made for you to buy an extra rotating solution to add on top of it, or worse; buy an extra entirely new device (business!).
Hi Lester, I have enjoyed your video's. Thanks for the information you have given. Any more tips and advice for printing and framing would be welcomed.
Hi back to you, Carey. Thanks for writing. You can go to my new SubStack newsletter for tons of information on printing, framing and displays. Just go to "paperarts.substack.com"
Thank you for posting this video.
Excellent video!