Photolearningism

Everyone is talking about Photoshop, right? That sounds like the industry standard and the de-facto tool that guarantees success right out of the box. Maybe. Just to be clear, the point of this review is not to bad-mouth Photoshop. It is a powerful tool with a long history of innovation for photo work. Alongside Photoshop, many alternatives, open-source and commercial, have risen in stature and feature-set to openly compete for artists. At the crux of a good photo working application, there are some core things it should have to make it not just useful, but valuable.  Intuitive Design Tools should be foremost functional, which depends heavily upon the ability to effectively use its features. Designs should be built with logical positioning, allowing for optimal use of the space and giving users options to customize the overall layout according to their unique style and workflow. If too much time is required to find features or they are too deeply buried in menus, then it's best to ...

Looking specifically at video production with respect to content creation, there are factors to consider, when looking around for means of recording, editing, and producing a "finished video". It's important to look at the process as if a story is being told. There is a plot, information to be communicated. There are characters, which may include you and other "cast" to communicate the point(s). There is a script of sorts, with supporting evidence and development derived from structured delivery.  Elements of Video Production  This is somewhat subconsciously realized, but for every "video", there are both video and audio components. Both contribute to the quality of the production, as do many other things, such as lighting, set, and the people or items captured within the media. When it comes to a good tool that will help manage all these things and make simpler the concept of assembling a production, here are some features to check when searching for ...

How to Start The beginning is a bit bumpy when taking first steps into content creation. For me, I knew I wanted to create and had some experience telling stories through video as a wedding videographer, but had no idea what equipment to use or what software to try. It was incredibly intimidating to start from square one without knowing how to create. The one thing I knew, is that I wanted to build a community of learning, to help people start and enhance their own content creator journey by making plain the tools of the trade. That's my reason for doing what I do. Have a reason, otherwise you'll quickly discover that you'll be wandering without a mission to achieve with your content. Still, I had no idea which tools Where is the Audience? Believe it or not, the answer is simple but can be a hard truth to swallow early in the process. They are waiting for you to attract them. Focus on speaking and delivery - Worry later about gear. An audience will follow someone on a genui...

INVITE FEEDBACK Ever watched a video or looked over a picture where you felt like the entire purpose was to show off? Performances are entertaining, but the best performers know that the energy of content comes from an audience. Some viewers will enjoy a skillful presentation, but the value of such content is limited to background music. It may inspire others to become more practiced in various arts, but only serves a limited purpose. Truly valuable content conveys relevant information and attracts an audience to participate in the experience and contribute to it. It opens a door to engage and share experience that far exceeds a one-way presentation. This is the framework for communities. This is the basis of meaningful content creation.  RESPOND TO EVERYONE Of course, it's not enough to simply ask questions. The subject should be important to the creator, enough to lead conversation and validate all responses. Some feedback will be encouraging and affirming. Questions, probin...

THE RAT RACE Here's a simple truth that sometimes hits hard in the entrepreneurial world: Some will reach profitability sooner than others. It can be discouraging to watch others reach a place in their business that generates returns with seemingly just a few months of effort while yours survives only by your personal drive to see it through. It can feel like your attempts at creating opportunity are failing. It can appear that nothing you do brings you any closer to feeling like what you do makes a difference or produces enough to justify the continued sacrifice. When you encounter disappointment, give yourself permission to have feelings. Trapping emotion within yourself doesn't make you stronger; It will actually weaken you. Remember that diligence and persistence will always beat out a meteoric rise. SET MEASURABLE GOALS I'm not suggesting to set low expectations, but instead that reasonable, realistic, and measurable goals should be set. If your definition of s...

PROGRESS As a somewhat new #contentcreator, I know that I'm still learning the platforms and tools. I don't understand all the algorithms and am admittedly not a terrific networker. However, I have survived my first year, showing consistent audience growth. I couldn't be more proud of my #YouTube channel that is coming into focus and the faithful audience that has joined in my interest of art technologies, helping me cultivate a community of learning. Thank you everyone! THE DANGER I've found a few reliable sources of guidance I've come to trust, but don't necessary agree with 100%. This is not a bad thing, as we'd never challenge our potential and never come to better understanding if all our relationships were based "yes" and "I agree." Questions prompt deeper understanding and force us to solidify our positions. This aside, there is a growing trend of advice that I see in #contentcreators that scares me, and I believe poses a ...

THE DREAM OF CREATING I've been aggressively working for the last year to develop my YouTube channel, increase my footprint in Twitter, and post semi-regularly in Instagram. Looking back, I'm so pleased with all the attention and momentum my content has drawn. I know I've worked hard and am immensely proud of achieving 15,000 views (and climbing) in YouTube! I've been pleased to receive feedback from dozens of other artists and content creators, who have helped me to build a family-friendly library of tutorials and product reviews. When I started, I had expectations that I would be able to create and engage audiences with meaningful content. What I knew could happen but didn't expect was the arrival of snide, non-constructive comments. These are truly a discouraging nuisance that slap you in the face. DEALING WITH SNARK Some people would suggest "growing a thicker skin". Others would fight back, responding in kind, or simply deleting the comme...

I'll say this - I never imagined in my wildest dreams how hard it would be to keep up with a social presence whilst also trying to master experience in photography, building a website, and produce video content on a semi-regular basis. It is a hustle and mixed bag of feelings (joy, frustration, hope, failure, etc.). Never the less, I still love art. I still love the stories I see through my camera lens. My latest endeavor has been to produce a coffee table photo book of my work, with the hopes of generating some buzz (and possible some ROI) for the many work streams I have in play. Reach out to me ( contact@nateciraulo.com ) if you'd be interested to buy a copy of this 20 page compilation work I created. I truly hope it brings you as much zest as it gave me to put it together! Do come connect me via www.NateCiraulo.com and see what I'm up to on YouTube! I'd love to hear from you and share the experience of art~ Thanks! -Nate

For anyone who may have been checking in over the last several months, I haven't been posting while I gathered up the needed momentum to push this effort forward. I've been searching for ways to make photography less of spectator event and more interactive for the audience. To help ramp up this effort, I started LIVE streaming via Twitch to show the photo editing process using Paint.Net (a FREE photo editing tool) and am looking for additional ways to connect and share experiences with everyone. Tune in and keep watch! Things are about to get busy and I'm excited to press on and share! https://www.twitch.tv/klinnowar Take care! -Nate

STEPPING UP I've spent a considerable amount of time redesigning my site to be more accommodating to multiple devices, chasing new ideas and concepts. I'm very pleased to announce the version 2 release! V1 Design V2 Design ( NEW! ) WHY THE CHANGE? I set out with a specific idea with my first version to create a gallery style site, with an option to expand to a stock library in the background. While I felt that I accomplished the "gallery" idea, I realized how restrictive the concept design was in preventing expansion towards the stock library approach. I was forced to abandon the V1 design and move towards a multi-device design, capable of supporting interaction without reliance on a specific user interface (for example the mouse point and click approach of a PC, versus tap interface of mobile devices). Hence, the V2 design was born, looking towards greater scale-ability with a variety of features.  I'm very excited to expand into this new des...

NEW YEAR = NEW GOALS  "FROZEN FOREST" I'm very excited to begin a new year and reach forward for new personal initiatives to accomplish. These are not "New Years Resolutions", but continued photography-related goals for 2018. In large part, I floated through 2017 trying to get my bearings on how to use my new camera, what to do with my website, and where to go from here. Well! Here's a (short) list of what I'm after in 2018: Nate Ciraulo Photography YouTube Channel -  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCav-Z9igJxYaNTwsle43VcQ I've managed to get a "pilot" episode of sorts in place, but there's a ton to do and I'm still refining the format of what this will be. Additionally, I've found the YouTube content creator interface a little clunky and difficult to navigate. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the free service YouTube offers, but it's just a little daunting to figure out. Some features require a minimum nu...

TOOLS I've been making good use of the Paint.NET tool for basic photo work and felt like it was time to give it a plug. It is a well made, FREE, open-source tool, and has served me well for the past year. It also has a healthy following of users who create plugins. If interested, download from here -  https://www.getpaint.net/download.html  RAW IMAGE EDITING After a ton of reading, experimentation, and testing ideas from the Paint.Net community, I found a combination of dlls and add-ons that allow editing of Nikon RAW images! Please note that I did not create these solutions and am not responsible for any adverse effects of using them (use them at your own risk), but I've found this combination to consistently work with NEF pictures (Nikon RAW images taken on a D5300). I've created a share of the needed files (which is a compilation of different solutions from multiple Paint.Net forum users). Do give them credit for their work! Download these to the "FileTyp...

LIFE THROUGH A LENS Sometimes I feel like the world through a camera takes a different shape. It's more than just a moment you're capturing. It's more detailed than colors, lines, and shapes. The image is deeper than a feeling. It's an expression of the heart. A seeking of meaning and understanding. It's an exploration. It's an adventure. It's (always) a learning experience. It's why I sometimes twist myself sideways or upside down.  PHOTOLEARNINGISM I imagine my branding of "Photolearningism" causes some to raise eyebrows with a moment of quizzical fascination. It's not a word you'll find in any dictionary (except maybe Wikipedia some day, if that counts - It's not there now, I checked! LINK to Wikipedia Search  ), but it's the thesis of my photo journey. Let's break it down: PHOTO (or Photograph) =  "An image of an object, person, scene, etc, in the form of a print or slide recorded by a came...

BACK ON THE TRAIL I spent some time out in the woods today learning to use my new camera and trying my best not to fall into the flooded creek. At long last, I have a camera that supports manual focus, and my heart has entered euphoria like never before. It was so much more an artistic experience taking photos, rather than verbally negotiating with my camera to "see things" my way. I can't wait to empty off the memory card and post some of my favorites! RANDOM I took a moment to visit with a mound of lingering snow, who didn't object to me taking a selfie alongside. NEW SITE IS ALIVE If you haven't had the chance, definitely come see my brand new site - http://www.nateciraulo.com ! Have a look around and let me know your thoughts - More content will be perpetually added. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for the mailing list and I'll let you know when new photos are up! Thanks so much for reading! Be back soon, -Nate

THE DEVELOPMENT I'm very pleased to announce that I'll soon be launching my first photography web site! I've spent a good deal of time developing it and creating a custom look that I could add to over time. I'll be formally launching this Saturday, via http://www.facebook.com/photolearningism! Please come have a look this weekend and let me know your thoughts! If you're particularly moved, you can also buy a digital copy of images for sale (no pressure, just making you aware :) )! THE REST I've also been blessed to purchase my first pro grade camera! It's quite complicated, but I'm working the user manual and hope to be showing off new images soon! Thanks so much for your support! -Nate

A PARTIAL PICTURE As you may have noted in my last post, I've been recognizing some weaknesses in my photography (which are becoming clearer through study and changes in photo subject matter). Nature will always be my favorite and focus in photography, but I felt like I could only get closer to mastery in more thoroughly exploring the art form. I consider my standing to be like a photo in which only one corner is well framed and shaped, while the rest is lacking in quality and composition. In exposing (which is a photography pun, yes!) myself to other forms of photography, I do see other principles at play which are harder to observe and practice. For example, when looking to capture nature and landscapes, the field of view is immense, and can be helpful to focus on a object to give the image a depth and a life. Taking this same idea to portrait photography, the need to focus on a object is (obviously) that much more important, while justifying the setting and other objects that ap...

SKILL SHARPENING I've spent my time away from Blogspot aiming to refine my photo style and study the technical end of photography to better understand how I can improve. There is such a wide world of growth to explore for technique and best practice! While I recognize that photography is a creative art, it does operate under some basic rules that impact the quality of color captured. Like any constructed piece, even if planned prior to execution, the final product is not as deep a story told if executed with a flawed plan. Hence, a better understanding, and not just practice, is a necessary step.  THE STEPS FORWARD While I haven't updated my camera or purchased any accessories to enhance it, I've gained insight into getting more out of my current equipment. While I certainly desire a more powerful camera, available budget prevents this. Though, in considering my pursuits, perhaps this is good and right that I should focus on how to properly conduct use of my current camera....

THE VANISHING POINT Some of you may be asking, "Where'd you go? Did you wind up under a truck?". I'm happy to clear your mind with the following answers, that I'm right here and still very much NOT under a truck. Whew! Glad we got that resolved. So if I didn't disappear, then the question remains, why haven't I posted any new adventures recently? The answer to this is equally simple; I haven't written. I have been around and posting, if you've been following my various feeds. Truth be told, I haven't been on any grand trips lately. The tick encounters of the last trip really took the wind of me, and I haven't braved anything too far off the road in a while. Rest assured, my discomfort with bugs 1/1,000,000 my size will soon be past me.  UPCOMING PROJECTS I participated in my first ever photo exhibit at the East Fishkill Community Library, which is truly a class-outfit, and did an amazing job of hosting me and my guests to kick off a month o...

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA I'd observed a somewhat picturesque stream heading off into a wooded area on a road close to my house. I should've taken the early warning signs of "intruding trees" blocking the unfettered view I was after. I slipped down into the space, which I quickly realized was not so much a "wood land" as it was a "swamp land". No matter , I had told myself. I'm the adventuring sort.  I managed a few shots, but didn't want to turn back without at least checking the area some. My way was quickly cut off by an offshoot stream that was too wide to step over.  PERSISTENCE WITH CONSEQUENCE I doubled back and attempted to explore from the other side of the stream. Different from the far side, this one was so thick with bushes, thorns, and other plant life that I couldn't get through standing up. I hadn't found my way a quarter mile before getting tired and pushing towards the stream for a few more photo attempts. Observin...

WEATHER RESISTANCE I was a little discouraged this morning in seeing the conditions of the outdoors (which was thick overcast, snowy, dark, and just BLAH). I had been hoping to spring out in the afternoon and snap a few photos and had convinced myself that today simply wasn't worth braving the cold and flying, frozen water. I had taken brief retreat in my bedroom because my children had simply used up my "nice and patience daddy-ness" and took to consideration the afternoon before me. I pondered the return of a day such as this and came to the conclusion that since I hadn't means to change the weather, I would bundle myself and embrace the gruff outdoors and prove my resolve. BACK TO THE ADVENTURE I had a spot picked out, not far from my home in Wappingers Falls, NY. I'd been to various stretches of Fishkill Creek and had decided on a new extension of it. I left my adventure-mobile in a safe parking lot and carefully crossed the road between car gaps. After jumpin...