January 2010

30 Days to Photography Improvement

by Victor Augusteo on January 31, 2010

The cycle of continuous improvement

“You will either step forward into growth, or you will step back into safety.”

Abraham Maslow

Project 30DPI

Here I am introducing to you my brand new project which I have planned for couple of weeks. I named it “30 Days to Photography Improvement” which is inspired by Darren Rowse’s 31DBB. Whom book I just bought to help me improve my blog as well.
This project, to me, serves as a reminder of all the things I’ve learnt over my journey. The books I’ve read, the workshop I’ve attended, the shots I took, and the people I’ve met. I want my mind to revisit all those old events and pour them down into words.
For you, that means free education and tutorial that could bring the best out of your eyes and camera. Saves you the prices of the books, workshop instructors, and paying for “wannabe” model who ruined a photoshoot.

What will be inside the project?

The 30DPI project will cover most basic theories such as:

  • Rules of compositions.
  • Exposure techniques
  • Get sharp images
  • Reduce camera shakes
  • Basic post processing
  • How to talk with models
  • How to find workshops
  • How to join good photography clubs
  • Terminologies (geek speak) of photography
  • AND so much more

I will be making some video tutorial and illustration to describe my points. I’m really excited for this project.

So when does it starts?

I’m planning to to start on Thursday next week, that is the 4th of February 2010. Mark your calendar down!

But, to make it easier for you; you can subscribe to my RSS feed and I will deliver all of the tutorial straight to your inbox. Here is the easy way to subscribe:

Subscribe by RSS
Subscribe by Email

They will subscribe you to the same thing, which is my blog feed. So you can pick whichever one you are more comfortable with.

I will see you on the next post!

My New Goal Setting & How Does it Benefit You

by Victor Augusteo on January 30, 2010

Smart Goal Setting is IMPORTANT!

“The best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft a-gley; and leave us naught but grief and pain for promised joy”

* Robert Burns

New Theme

So how do you like the new design of my blog? Took Me one month back and forth email with one company to decide what color scheme and placement and logo that best suit my site. But finally its here! I know a blog writer should keep their motivation up, but this new theme gives me new spirit to write as well! New spirit and motivation.

New Goals & Projects

My new goals for the blog is to post once per day. Yes, you heard it correctly. Once per day. I know it sounds crazy and will just be one of those cases like your new year resolution where you set a goal to lose weight and forget about going to the gym after three weeks. No. This one is going to stay.

So how do I make sure I can stick to the schedule? How do I make sure I actually stick to my resolution?

1. Rule of Consistency

By telling you! Research shows that people tend to stick to schedule or plan that they tell others. We will put the research to the test.

2. By Setting Timeline

My goal is to publish 30 articles within 30 days. How does that sounds to you? Free photography tips everyday for 30 days! And once I get the habit of posting everyday, I might stick to it in the long run.

That’s it! You think by using that two simple principle I’m going to stick with the schedule? Oh, time will tell. For now, Nice to meet you and happy belated new year 2010. I know its kind of late, but its still January!

[Lightroom Tutorial] Cropping while breaking aspect ratio

by Victor Augusteo on January 5, 2010

I got a question from my friend earlier this week when she watch me as I edited my photos. She was asking me how did I manage to crop my photos freely as Lightroom always restrict her cropping. By default Lightroom lock your aspect ratio to the width x height of your photos.

So how do you go around breaking it?

Its really simple, but I’ll give you step by step to make it even more simple.

1. Open Lightroom
2. Go to Develop Module
3. Press “R” or crop on the desired photo

You should see the cropping rectangle and the guidelines.


























4. Right click on the photo and select “Constrain Aspect Ratio” or just press “A”

You can toggle the Constrain Aspect Ratio whenever you want.
































5. Voila! Now you should be able to crop your photos freely without restriction!

How did you go with that?

I believe this simple steps should help you crop with more freedom from now on. If you can’t get it to work, just let me know and I’ll try to help you further.