Skill: 1kalin/afrexai-photography-mastery (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Photography Mastery description: Complete photography system — exposure, composition, lighting, genre-specific workflows, editing, gear selection, portfolio building, and client management. From beginner to professional. metadata: category: creative skills: ["photography", "camera", "lighting", "editing", "composition", "portrait", "landscape", "street", "product", "wedding", "real-estate"] --- # Photography Mastery — Complete System > From "auto mode" to professional-quality images. Zero external dependencies. ## Quick Health Check (`/photo-check`) Rate yourself 1-5 on each. Score < 24 = focus on fundamentals first. | Dimension | 1 (Beginner) | 3 (Intermediate) | 5 (Advanced) | |---|---|---|---| | Exposure control | Auto mode only | Manual in studio | Expose by feel, nail it first shot | | Composition | Center everything | Rule of thirds | Break rules intentionally with impact | | Lighting | Available light only | One flash, bounce | Multi-light setups, shape light | | Focus technique | Auto everything | Back-button AF | Zone focus, manual in low light | | Post-processing | Phone filters | Basic Lightroom | Color grading, frequency separation | | Genre knowledge | Shoot everything same | 1-2 genres solid | Specialist with signature style | | Gear understanding | Kit lens only | Know focal lengths | Choose lens for the story | | Business/portfolio | Instagram only | Basic portfolio site | Paying clients, defined brand | **Total: ___ / 40** → <16: Phase 1-3. 16-28: Phase 4-7. 28+: Phase 8-12. --- ## Phase 1: Exposure Mastery ### The Exposure Triangle (Internalize, Don't Memorize) ``` LIGHT IN = ISO × Aperture × Shutter Speed Change one → compensate with another → same exposure, different look. ``` **ISO** — Sensor sensitivity | ISO | Use case | Trade-off | |---|---|---| | 100-400 | Daylight, tripod, studio | Clean, no noise | | 400-1600 | Indoor, overcast, golden hour | Slight grain, acceptable | | 1600-6400 | Low light handheld, events | Visible noise, still usable | | 6400+ | Emergency, concert, astro | Heavy noise, denoise in post | **Rule:** Lowest ISO that allows your shutter speed. Modern cameras: ISO 3200 is fine. **Aperture** — Depth of field + sharpness | f-stop | Depth of field | Best for | |---|---|---| | f/1.4-2.0 | Paper thin | Headshots, subject isolation, low light | | f/2.8-4.0 | Shallow | Portraits (full body still sharp enough) | | f/5.6-8.0 | Medium | Groups, environmental portraits, street | | f/8-11 | Deep | Landscapes, architecture, products | | f/16-22 | Everything sharp | Avoid — diffraction softens image | **Sweet spot rule:** Most lenses are sharpest 2-3 stops from wide open. f/1.4 lens → sharpest at f/4. **Shutter Speed** — Motion control | Speed | Effect | Use | |---|---|---| | 1/2000+ | Freeze everything | Sports, birds, splashing water | | 1/500-1/1000 | Freeze people | Running, dancing, events | | 1/125-1/250 | General handheld | Walking, portraits, street | | 1/60 | Minimum handheld | With IS/VR, careful technique | | 1/15-1/4 | Motion blur | Panning, waterfalls (tripod) | | 1-30s | Long exposure | Night, light trails, star points | | 30s+ (bulb) | Extended exposure | Star trails, light painting | **Handheld rule:** 1/(focal length × crop factor). 50mm on APS-C (1.5×) = minimum 1/75s. ### Metering Modes — When to Use Each | Mode | What it reads | Use when | |---|---|---| | Evaluative/Matrix | Whole frame, smart weighting | Default — works 80% of time | | Center-weighted | Middle 60% of frame | Subject fills center, ignore edges | | Spot | 2-5% around focus point | Backlit subjects, stage performances | ### Exposure Compensation Quick Reference | Situation | Adjustment | Why | |---|---|---| | Snow/white backgrounds | +1 to +2 | Camera tries to make white gray | | Dark backgrounds/subjects | -1 to -2 | Camera tries to brighten dark | | Backlit subject | +1 to +2 | Expose for subject, not bright background | | Skin tones (portrait) | +1/3 to +2/3 | Slightly overexposed skin looks healthier | ### Histogram Reading ``` Left wall = pure black (clipped shadows) Right wall = pure white (clipped highlights) GOAL: Data spread across range, nothing touching walls EXCEPTION: Night shots (left-heavy OK), high-key portraits (right-heavy OK) ETTR (Expose To The Right): Push histogram right without clipping = maximum data, minimum noise. Best for: Landscapes, studio. Requires RAW shooting. ``` --- ## Phase 2: Composition Framework ### The Composition Hierarchy (Most to Least Impact) 1. **Light** — Quality and direction of light makes or breaks any image 2. **Subject** — Clear subject, clear story. If you can't point to the subject, reshoot 3. **Simplification** — Remove distractions. Move feet, change angle, wait for clutter to clear 4. **Depth** — Foreground → midground → background creates dimension 5. **Lines & shapes** — Guide the eye, create structure 6. **Color & tone** — Harmony or contrast, either intentional ### 12 Composition Techniques (Beyond Rule of Thirds) | Technique | How | Best for | |---|---|---| | Rule of thirds | Subject at intersection points | Default starting point | | Center + symmetry | Subject dead center, symmetric frame | Architecture, reflections, portraits with impact | | Leading lines | Roads, fences, rivers pointing to subject | Landscapes, street, architecture | | Frame within frame | Doorways, windows, arches around subject | Travel, architecture, environmental portraits | | Negative space | Vast empty area, tiny subject | Minimalism, emphasis, mood | | Diagonals | Tilt horizon or use natural diagonals | Energy, dynamism | | Layering | Stack foreground/mid/background elements | Landscapes, street | | Patterns + break | Repeating pattern with one disruption | Street, architecture, abstract | | Juxtaposition | Contrasting elements in same frame | Documentary, street, conceptual | | Fill the frame | Get close, eliminate surroundings | Portraits, macro, food | | Odd numbers | 3 or 5 subjects | Still life, group compositions | | Golden spiral | Fibonacci curl — leading from edge to focal point | Nature, still life | ### Composition Mistakes That Kill Images | Mistake | Fix | |---|---| | Horizon not level | Enable grid overlay. Fix in post if needed. Non-negotiable. | | Mergers (pole from head) | Move 2 steps. Change angle. Check background before shooting. | | Cutting at joints | Crop mid-limb (mid-thigh, mid-forearm) or full body. Never at knee/ankle/wrist/neck. | | No clear subject | Ask: "What is this photo OF?" If you hesitate, simplify. | | Too much in frame | Get closer. Zoom with feet. Fill frame with what matters. | | Dead center without purpose | Either center with symmetry or offset with intention. | | Tilted horizon | Landscape: always level. Portrait: tilt only if dramatic and intentional. | --- ## Phase 3: Light Mastery ### Natural Light Quality Guide | Time | Quality | Color | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | Golden hour (sunrise/sunset ±1hr) | Soft, directional, warm | Orange/gold | Portraits, landscapes, everything | | Blue hour (20-30 min after sunset) | Even, moody | Blue/purple | Cityscapes, mood portraits, twilight | | Overcast | Soft, even (giant softbox) | Neutral | Portraits (no squinting), product, macro | | Midday sun | Hard, overhead, high contrast | Neutral/warm | Use as backlight. Find open shade. Avoid for portraits. | | Shade | Soft, directional from open sky | Slightly cool | Portraits, detail work | | Window light | Soft directional (varies with window size) | Varies | Portraits, food, still life, product | ### Window Light Setup (Free Studio) ``` POSITION MAP (top-down view): [WINDOW] | 45° | 45° / | \ FILL SUBJECT CAMERA (reflector) Distance from window controls softness: - Close (1-2 ft): soft wrapping light, gentle shadows - Far (6+ ft): harder, more directional, defined shadows - Subject facing window: flat, even (beauty light) - Subject 45° to window: dimensional, classic portrait - Subject 90° to window: dramatic, split lighting ``` **White reflector** opposite window fills shadows. **No reflector** = moody. Aluminum foil on cardboard = DIY reflector. ### Flash Fundamentals **The #1 rule:** Never fire direct flash at a person. Bounce it or diffuse it. | Technique | How | Result | |---|---|---| | Bounce ceiling | Tilt flash head 45-75° up | Soft overhead light, natural look | | Bounce wall | Tilt flash 90° toward near wall | Directional side light | | Flash + diffuser | Dome or mini softbox on flash | Softer direct flash (still not great) | | Off-camera flash | Flash on stand, 45° from subject | Professional dimensional light | | Dragging shutter | Flash + slow shutter (1/15-1/30) | Sharp subject + ambient background blur | **Flash exposure compensation:** Start at -1.3 stops. Blend with ambient. If you can tell flash was used, it's too much. ### 5 Portrait Lighting Patterns | Pattern | Key light position | Shadow | Mood | |---|---|---|---| | Rembrandt | 45° side, 45° above | Triangle on shadow cheek | Classic, moody | | Loop | 30-45° side, slightly above | Small nose shadow loops toward cheek | Versatile, flattering | | Butterfly | Directly above, centered | Shadow under nose (butterfly shape) | Beauty, glamour | | Split | 90° from side | Half face in shadow | Dramatic, edgy | | Broad | Key light on face side nearest camera | Wider lit area | Widens narrow faces | --- ## Phase 4: Focus & Sharpness ### Focus Mode Decision | Situation | Mode | Why | |---|---|---| | Still subject (portrait, product) | Single AF (AF-S/One-Shot) | Locks focus, precise | | Moving subject (sports, kids) | Continuous AF (AF-C/AI Servo) | Tracks movement | | Unpredictable movement | Auto AF (AF-A) | Camera decides — last resort | | Low light / precise work | Manual focus + magnify | AF hunts in dark, manual is reliable | ### Back-Button Focus (BBF) — Set This Up Separate focus from shutter button: - **AF-ON button** = focus - **Shutter button** = only take photo **Why:** Press AF-ON once = focus locks (like AF-S). Hold AF-ON = continuous tracking (like AF-C). One mode handles everything. Never accidentally refocus when pressing shutter. ### Sharpness Checklist - [ ] Shutter speed ≥ 1/focal length (handheld rule) - [ ] Aperture at sweet spot (f/5.6-f/8 for most lenses) - [ ] ISO low enough to avoid noise softening - [ ] Focus confirmed on intended target (magnify in live view) - [ ] Image stabilization ON for handheld, OFF for tripod - [ ] Clean front element (fingerprints kill contrast) - [ ] Mirror lock-up for tripod (DSLR) - [ ] Remote trigger or 2-second timer for tripod shots --- ## Phase 5: Genre-Specific Workflows ### Portrait Photography **Pre-shoot checklist:** ```yaml portrait_prep: gear: lens: "85mm f/1.8 (headshot) or 35mm f/1.4 (environmental)" reflector: "42-inch 5-in-1" backdrop: "depends on style" settings: mode: "aperture priority or manual" aperture: "f/2.0-2.8 (single), f/5.6 (group)" iso: "lowest possible" focus: "single point on nearest eye" metering: "spot on face" directing: warm_up: "5 min casual chat before picking up camera" posing_flow: "standing → leaning → sitting → detail shots" expression: "tell jokes, give them something to DO not something to BE" hands: "always doing something (pocket, hair, holding object)" ``` **Posing quick fixes:** | Problem | Fix | |---|---| | Double chin | Extend chin forward and slightly down. Shoot from slightly above. | | Awkward hands | Give them something to hold. Or one hand in pocket, other relaxed. | | Stiff pose | Have them shift weight to back foot. Lean slightly forward. | | Forced smile | Tell a joke. Ask them to laugh, then say "now freeze." | | Squinting | Face away from light, turn back at last second. Or shade eyes until ready. | ### Landscape Photography **Field checklist:** ```yaml landscape_prep: planning: scout: "Google Earth + PhotoPills for sun/moon position" time: "arrive 45 min before golden hour" weather: "partly cloudy > clear blue (texture in sky)" gear: lens: "16-35mm (wide), 70-200mm (compression), 24-70mm (versatile)" tripod: "mandatory for quality" filters: "CPL (always), ND graduated (sky), ND 6/10 stop (long exposure)" settings: aperture: "f/8-f/11 (sweet spot)" iso: "100 (always on tripod)" focus: "manual at hyperfocal or 1/3 into scene" bracket: "±2 stops for HDR if high dynamic range" composition: foreground: "MANDATORY — rocks, flowers, leading lines" midground: "subject or connecting element" background: "sky, mountains, context" ``` **Hyperfocal distance (simplified):** | Focal length | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 | |---|---|---|---| | 16mm | 1.1m | 0.8m | 0.5m | | 24mm | 2.4m | 1.7m | 1.2m | | 35mm | 5.1m | 3.7m | 2.5m | | 50mm | 10.4m | 7.6m | 5.2m | Focus at this distance → everything from half that distance to infinity is sharp. ### Street Photography ```yaml street_settings: mode: "aperture priority" aperture: "f/5.6-f/8 (deep DOF for unpredictable scenes)" iso: "auto ISO, max 6400, min shutter 1/250" focus: "zone focus at 2-3m OR continuous AF" lens: "35mm (classic) or 28mm (wider context)" tips: - "Shoot from hip if nervous — practice without looking" - "Find the light first, then wait for subject to walk in" - "Layers: foreground person + background action = story" - "Rain, reflections, shadows = instant mood" - "One location, one hour, 200+ shots → 2-3 keepers = good ratio" - "If someone confronts you: smile, show the photo, offer to delete" ``` ### Product Photography ```yaml product_setup: minimum_gear: camera: "any with manual mode" lens: "50mm or kit lens at 50-70mm" light: "one window OR one continuous LED panel" surface: "white poster board curved (seamless sweep)" reflector: "white foam board or printer paper" settings: aperture: "f/8-f/11 (everything sharp)" iso: "100" white_balance: "manual — match light source" focus: "manual or single point on logo/label" tripod: "mandatory for consistency" shooting_checklist: - "Hero shot (3/4 angle, slightly above)" - "Straight-on front" - "45-degree angle" - "Detail/texture close-up" - "Scale shot (hand, common object for size)" - "Lifestyle/in-use shot" - "Flat lay (top-down for small items)" ``` ### Real Estate Photography ```yaml real_estate_workflow: gear: lens: "ultra-wide 16-24mm (full frame)" tripod: "mandatory" flash: "bounce flash for interior fill" technique: height: "camera at 4-5 feet (counter/chest height)" verticals: "MUST be straight — tilt-shift or fix in post" bracketing: "3-5 exposures, merge HDR" lights: "turn ALL lights on. Replace dead bulbs." staging: "declutter, remove personal items, fluff pillows" shot_list: exterior: ["front wide", "front detail", "backyard", "pool", "garage"] interior: ["living room 2-3 angles", "kitchen 2-3", "master bedroom", "master bath", "each additional room", "special features"] minimum: "25-35 photos for listing" editing: - "Correct verticals (lens correction)" - "Blend exposures for windows (interior + exterior visible)" - "Color correct to neutral — no yellow casts" - "Sky replacement if overcast (controversial but common)" ``` ### Event/Wedding Photography ```yaml event_essentials: gear: bodies: "2 minimum (backup is non-negotiable)" lenses: "24-70mm f/2.8 (workhorse) + 70-200mm f/2.8 (ceremony) + 35mm f/1.4 (reception)" flash: "2 speedlights + off-camera trigger" cards: "dual card slots, mirror write" batteries: "minimum 4 charged" settings: ceremony: "f/2.8, ISO auto (cap 6400), shutter 1/200+" reception: "f/2.8, ISO auto, flash bounce ceiling" formals: "f/5.6-f/8, flash on camera bounce" shot_list_non_negotiables: - "Rings, dress, shoes, invitation (detail shots BEFORE ceremony)" - "Getting ready (both parties)" - "Walking down aisle" - "First kiss" - "Recessional" - "Family formals (have LIST from client in advance)" - "First dance, parent dances" - "Cake cutting" - "Speeches/toasts" - "Venue wide shot" rules: - "Never run out of battery or cards during ceremony" - "Shoot in RAW+JPEG (safety net)" - "Second shooter for ceremony = different angles" - "Scout venue BEFORE event day" - "Deliver sneak peeks within 48 hours" ``` --- ## Phase 6: Post-Processing Workflow ### RAW Processing Pipeline ``` 1. IMPORT → Backup originals to second drive FIRST 2. CULL → Rate 1-5 stars. Delete obvious rejects. Select picks. 3. GLOBAL ADJUSTMENTS (apply to all picks): - White balance (eyedrop on neutral gray) - Exposure correction - Highlight recovery, shadow lift - Lens correction profile - Chromatic aberration removal 4. LOCAL ADJUSTMENTS (per image): - Crop and straighten - Dodge/burn (draw attention to subject) - Gradient filters (darken sky, lighten foreground) - Spot healing (blemishes, distractions) 5. COLOR GRADING: - HSL adjustments (skin tone, sky, foliage) - Split toning (warm highlights, cool shadows = cinematic) - Calibration panel (subtle, powerful) 6. SHARPENING: - Amount: 40-80 (web), 80-120 (print) - Radius: 0.8-1.2 - Masking: hold Alt/Option while sliding — sharpen edges only 7. EXPORT: - Web: JPEG, sRGB, 2048px long edge, quality 80-85 - Print: TIFF, AdobeRGB, full resolution - Social: JPEG, sRGB, 1080px (IG), 2048px (FB) ``` ### Color Grading Quick Recipes | Mood | Shadows | Highlights | Tone curve | |---|---|---|---| | Cinematic warm | Teal/blue | Orange/gold | Slight S-curve, lifted blacks | | Moody dark | Deep blue | Desaturated warm | Crushed blacks, low highlights | | Clean bright | Neutral | Slight warm | Lifted shadows, bright midtones | | Film look | Green/brown | Warm | Faded blacks (lift curve bottom-left) | | B&W dramatic | N/A | N/A | Strong S-curve, high contrast | ### Portrait Retouching Ethics Scale | Level | What | When | |---|---|---| | 1 — Cleanup | Remove temporary blemishes (acne, stray hairs) | Always acceptable | | 2 — Enhancement | Even skin tone, brighten eyes, whiten teeth slightly | Standard professional | | 3 — Reshaping | Slim face/body, change proportions | Only if client requests | | 4 — Transformation | Unrecognizable changes | Avoid — ethical issues | **Rule:** Remove temporary, keep permanent. Pimple = remove. Freckles = keep. Scar = ask client. --- ## Phase 7: Gear Selection Guide ### Camera Selection Decision Matrix | Need | Camera type | Budget | Examples | |---|---|---|---| | Learning, travel, street | Mirrorless APS-C | $500-1000 | Fuji X-S20, Sony a6700 | | Portraits, events, pro | Mirrorless Full Frame | $1500-3000 | Sony A7IV, Nikon Z6III, Canon R6III | | Sports, wildlife | Pro mirrorless | $2500-6500 | Sony A9III, Canon R5II, Nikon Z8 | | Video-first hybrid | Cinema-oriented | $1500-4000 | Sony A7SIII, Panasonic S5IIX | | Budget beginner | Used DSLR or entry mirrorless | $300-600 | Canon T7i, Nikon D5600, Sony a6100 | ### Lens Priority Order (Buy in This Order) | Priority | Lens | Why | |---|---|---| | 1st | 50mm f/1.8 | "Nifty fifty" — sharp, fast, cheap ($100-250). Portraits, street, low light. | | 2nd | Kit zoom (18-55 or 24-70) | Versatility while learning. Already have it. | | 3rd | 85mm f/1.8 | Portrait king. Compression + bokeh. | | 4th | Wide zoom (16-35mm) | Landscapes, architecture, real estate. | | 5th | 70-200mm f/2.8 | Events, sports, wildlife. The "money maker" for pros. | | 6th | Macro lens (90-100mm) | Products, food, nature details. | **Rule:** Invest in lenses, not bodies. A great lens on a cheap body > cheap lens on great body. Lenses hold value. Bodies depreciate fast. ### Essential Accessories (Priority Order) 1. **Extra battery** (or two) — more important than any filter 2. **Fast SD card** (UHS-II, 128GB minimum) — slow cards = missed shots 3. **Tripod** — $100-200 range. Carbon fiber if carrying far. Aluminum if budget. 4. **Circular polarizer (CPL)** — cuts reflections, deepens sky. Buy for your most-used lens. 5. **Camera bag** — sling for street, backpack for hikes, roller for events 6. **Reflector** (42" 5-in-1) — $20. Turns one light into two. 7. **External flash** — bounce flash transforms events and indoor shoots --- ## Phase 8: Building a Portfolio ### Portfolio Architecture ```yaml portfolio_structure: homepage: hero_image: "absolute best single image — stops scrolling" galleries: "3-5 genre galleries, 15-25 images each" about: "short bio + professional headshot" contact: "form + email + social links" selection_rules: - "Only show work you want MORE of" - "Every image must earn its place — if you hesitate, cut it" - "Quality >>> quantity. 40 great images > 200 okay ones." - "First and last images in gallery = strongest. Middle = supporting." - "Consistent editing style within each gallery" - "Update quarterly — remove weakest, add strongest" platforms: free: "Adobe Portfolio (with CC), Mylio, Pixieset (limited)" paid: "Squarespace ($16/mo), SmugMug ($13/mo), Zenfolio" social: "Instagram (discovery), 500px (community), Flickr (archive)" ``` ### Portfolio Review Scoring (0-100) | Dimension | Weight | What to evaluate | |---|---|---| | Image quality | 25% | Technical excellence — exposure, focus, sharpness | | Consistency | 20% | Cohesive editing style, color palette, mood | | Storytelling | 20% | Each image communicates, series has narrative flow | | Curation | 15% | Only strongest work, no filler, no near-duplicates | | Presentation | 10% | Clean layout, proper sizing, fast loading | | Range within genre | 10% | Shows versatility within your specialty | **Score < 60:** Major rework needed. **60-80:** Solid, refine edges. **80+:** Professional quality. --- ## Phase 9: Photography Business Fundamentals ### Pricing Framework ``` COST OF DOING BUSINESS (CODB): gear_depreciation: "$X/year" software: "$X/year (Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.)" insurance: "$X/year" website_hosting: "$X/year" marketing: "$X/year" transportation: "$X/year" education: "$X/year" ───────────────── TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS: $______ PRICING FORMULA: hours_per_shoot: "shooting + editing + admin + travel" desired_annual_income: "$______" realistic_shoots_per_year: "______ (don't overestimate)" minimum_per_shoot = (CODB + desired_income) / shoots_per_year THEN: Add 20-30% for taxes THEN: Round up to psychological price point ($297, $497, $997) ``` ### Client Workflow ``` 1. INQUIRY → Respond within 4 hours. Send pricing guide PDF. 2. CONSULTATION → 15-30 min call. Understand needs. Send formal quote. 3. BOOKING → Contract signed + 50% deposit. Non-refundable retainer. 4. PRE-SHOOT → Location scout. Shot list. Wardrobe guidance email. 5. SHOOT DAY → Arrive early. Deliver experience, not just photos. 6. EDITING → Deliver in stated timeline (7-14 days typical). 7. DELIVERY → Online gallery with download. Remaining 50% due. 8. FOLLOW-UP → Thank you email. Request testimonial at 1 week. Ask for referral at 1 month. ``` ### Contract Must-Haves - [ ] Scope of work (hours, deliverables, number of edited images) - [ ] Payment terms (deposit, balance, late fees) - [ ] Cancellation/rescheduling policy (minimum 48 hours notice) - [ ] Image usage rights (who owns what, licensing terms) - [ ] Model release (if applicable) - [ ] Liability limitations (equipment failure, force majeure) - [ ] Delivery timeline and format --- ## Phase 10: 12-Month Skill Progression ### Month-by-Month Curriculum | Month | Focus | Exercise | Deliverable | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | Exposure triangle | Shoot same scene at every aperture (f/2.8 → f/16). Compare. | 1 exposure comparison set | | 2 | Composition | 100 photos using ONLY one composition technique per week | 4 best compositions | | 3 | Natural light | Golden hour shoot 3× per week. Compare same location at different times. | 10-image light study | | 4 | Portrait fundamentals | Photograph 5 different people. Practice directing. | 5 portrait edits | | 5 | Flash basics | Bounce flash in 5 different rooms. Off-camera flash. | Before/after flash comparison | | 6 | Editing mastery | Develop consistent editing style. Edit same RAW 5 ways. | 3 preset/style recipes | | 7 | Specialization | Pick ONE genre. Shoot only that for 30 days. | 15-image genre portfolio | | 8 | Advanced lighting | 2-3 light setups. Practice lighting patterns. | Lighting diagram + results | | 9 | Storytelling | Photo essay: 10-15 images telling one story | Complete photo essay | | 10 | Speed & consistency | Simulated event: 2 hours, 500 shots, cull to 50 | Consistent event set | | 11 | Portfolio building | Curate best 40 images. Build portfolio site. | Live portfolio | | 12 | First client | Offer free/discounted shoot. Full professional workflow. | Delivered gallery + testimonial | ### Deliberate Practice Protocol ```yaml practice_session: frequency: "minimum 3× per week, 1-2 hours" structure: warm_up: "10 min — shoot familiar subject with constraints (one lens, one setting)" focused_drill: "30-60 min — this month's focus area" review: "20 min — cull, rate, identify 3 things to improve next time" rules: - "Set ONE learning goal per session (not 'take good photos')" - "Shoot manual mode — learn the camera, not the auto algorithms" - "Review your own work critically — be your harshest critic" - "Study one photographer you admire each week — what makes their work work?" - "1000 photos analyzed > 100 photos taken casually" ``` --- ## Phase 11: Common Mistakes & Fixes | # | Mistake | Fix | |---|---|---| | 1 | Buying gear instead of learning to see | Best camera = the one you have. Master it before upgrading. | | 2 | Not shooting enough | Volume matters early on. 10,000 photos = start of competence. | | 3 | Over-editing | If it looks edited, you went too far. Subtle > dramatic. | | 4 | Not backing up | 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite. Non-negotiable. | | 5 | Ignoring light direction | Walk around subject. Move yourself. Light direction > light quantity. | | 6 | Chimping (checking LCD after every shot) | Trust your settings. Check histogram periodically, not every frame. | | 7 | No consistent style | Pick a look. Edit everything the same way. Consistency = brand. | | 8 | Shooting at eye level only | Get low, get high, shoot through things. Unusual angles = interesting photos. | | 9 | Not printing work | Screens lie. Print your best work. See it at size. It changes everything. | | 10 | Comparing to others' highlights | Compare to your own work 6 months ago. That's the only benchmark that matters. | --- ## Phase 12: Advanced Techniques ### Long Exposure ``` Gear: Tripod + ND filter (6 or 10 stop) + remote shutter Settings: f/8-11, ISO 100, Bulb mode Timer: ND6 → multiply normal exposure × 64. ND10 → multiply × 1024. ND FILTER EXPOSURE TABLE: | Normal exposure | ND6 (6-stop) | ND10 (10-stop) | |---|---|---| | 1/250 | 1/4 | 4 sec | | 1/125 | 1/2 | 8 sec | | 1/60 | 1 sec | 16 sec | | 1/30 | 2 sec | 32 sec | | 1/15 | 4 sec | 60 sec | ``` ### Focus Stacking (Macro/Landscape) ``` 1. Tripod mandatory. Manual focus. 2. Focus on nearest point. Take shot. 3. Move focus slightly deeper. Take shot. 4. Repeat until entire depth is covered (5-20 shots typical). 5. Stack in Photoshop (Auto-Align + Auto-Blend) or Helicon Focus. Result: Razor-sharp from front to back at any aperture. ``` ### HDR (High Dynamic Range) ``` 1. Tripod. Manual mode. Manual focus. 2. Meter for midtones. Take shot. 3. Underexpose -2 stops. Take shot. 4. Overexpose +2 stops. Take shot. 5. (Optional: -1 and +1 for smoother blend = 5 brackets) 6. Merge in Lightroom or Photomatix. Rule: Natural-looking HDR only. If it looks "HDR-y", pull it back. ``` ### Astrophotography Basics ``` THE 500 RULE: Max shutter = 500 / (focal length × crop factor) Example: 24mm on full frame = 500/24 = 20 seconds max before star trails Settings: f/2.8 or wider, ISO 3200-6400, manual focus on bright star (magnify + adjust) Lens: widest and fastest you own (14mm f/2.8 ideal) Planning: Clear sky, no moon (new moon best), dark sky location (Bortle 1-4) Apps: PhotoPills, Stellarium, Clear Outside ``` --- ## Natural Language Commands | Command | Action | |---|---| | `/photo-check` | Run the 8-dimension quick health assessment | | `Review my portfolio` | Score portfolio across 6 dimensions with specific improvement actions | | `Settings for [genre]` | Provide camera settings, gear, and workflow for that genre | | `Help me light this` | Lighting setup guide based on description of scene/subject | | `Critique this photo` | Technical + compositional analysis with specific fixes | | `What lens should I buy next?` | Personalized recommendation based on current gear and goals | | `Plan a shoot for [event/subject]` | Complete pre-shoot checklist with shot list | | `Edit this style` | Color grading recipe to achieve described look | | `Price my photography` | CODB calculation and pricing framework | | `Teach me [technique]` | Step-by-step guide with practice exercises | | `Build my portfolio` | Architecture, selection rules, and platform recommendation | | `Monthly practice plan` | This month's focus area with daily exercises | --- ## Edge Cases ### Shooting in Harsh Conditions - **Rain:** Plastic bag + rubber band = camera rain cover. Shoot reflections. Embrace mood. - **Extreme cold:** Keep batteries in pocket (warm). Bag camera when returning to warm room (condensation). - **Extreme heat:** Don't leave gear in car. Sensor heat noise increases. Shoot earlier/later. - **Sand/dust:** Change lenses in sheltered spot. Clean sensor after. Ziplock bags for protection. - **Underwater:** Dedicated housing only. No DIY. Rent before buying. ### Phone Photography (When It's All You Have) - Clean the lens (fingerprints = haze) - Tap to focus, hold to lock exposure - Shoot in 2× or 3× optical (not digital zoom) - Use portrait mode for bokeh (verify edge detection) - Edit in Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed (free, powerful) - All composition and light rules still apply — they're about seeing, not gear ### AI in Photography (Current State) - **Useful:** Noise reduction (Topaz, DxO), sky replacement, object removal, upscaling - **Controversial:** AI-generated composites presented as photos - **Rule of thumb:** AI as editing tool = fine. AI replacing the photograph = not photography. - **Competitions:** Most ban AI-generated images. Check rules. --- *Built by [AfrexAI](https://afrexai-cto.github.io/context-packs/) — AI agents that actually work.*


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