Karl Taylor
Student Photographer
About
Karl Taylor is the exception. He is respected by amateurs and pros across the industry for his ability to clearly and concisely communicate both the artistic and technical aspects of photography. Karl breaks down complex subjects with a logical and entertaining approach that has attracted a worldwide following.
My Courses
HOW TO USE A CAMERA STABILIZER
— Karl Taylor
Intermediate
Capturing smooth and stable video footage is essential for producing high-quality content. Whether you're shooting a film, documentary, vlog, or any other type of video, maintaining stability is key to creating professional-looking results. Camera stabilizers are invaluable tools that help achieve this goal by counteracting unwanted camera movements and ensuring smooth, fluid shots. In this chapter, Karl, an experienced filmmaker and instructor, delves into the world of stabilizers, providing valuable insights and practical tips on how to use them effectively to capture impressive, steady footage.
The chapter begins with Karl emphasizing the importance of stabilizers in video production. He highlights how they can make a significant difference in the overall quality of your shots, adding a level of professionalism and visual appeal to your work. Karl's expertise in the field shines through as he guides viewers through the process of setting up and balancing stabilizers for optimal performance.
One crucial aspect Karl covers is the correct setup of the stabilizer. He discusses the various components and adjustments required to ensure a stable base for the camera. From adjusting the handlebars to positioning the camera plate, each step is explained in detail, giving viewers a clear understanding of how to properly set up their stabilizers.
Next, Karl explores the art of balancing the stabilizer. He explains how to distribute the weight of the camera evenly to achieve stability and minimize unwanted vibrations or movements. Balancing is a fundamental step in using stabilizers effectively, and Karl provides valuable insights and practical demonstrations to help viewers master this skill.
Once the stabilizer is set up and balanced, Karl moves on to demonstrating proper usage techniques. He covers essential aspects such as grip, posture, and movement, providing valuable tips on how to hold and maneuver the stabilizer for smooth, steady shots. Karl's guidance helps viewers develop a solid foundation in stabilizer handling, enabling them to capture fluid motion while maintaining control over the camera.
To showcase the impact of stabilizers, Karl presents comparison footage. This allows viewers to see firsthand how stabilizers can transform shaky, unsteady shots into smooth, cinematic sequences. The side-by-side comparison highlights the effectiveness of using stabilizers, providing viewers with a tangible example of the difference it can make in their own videos.
By the end of the chapter, viewers will have gained a comprehensive understanding of stabilizers and their significance in achieving stable, professional-looking video footage. Karl's detailed explanations, practical demonstrations, and comparison footage provide invaluable knowledge and inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and videographers. Armed with this newfound expertise, viewers can confidently incorporate stabilizers into their workflow, capturing stunning, smooth footage that captivates and engages their audience.
English
LIGHTING AND COLOUR BALANCE
— Karl Taylor
Beginner
In the upcoming class, Karl Taylor dives into various aspects of film lighting techniques and LED lighting for filmmaking. He begins by discussing the Kelvin scale and color temperature, providing insights into how different color temperatures can affect the mood and tone of a scene. Understanding the concept of color temperature is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel in your videos.
Karl also demonstrates how to set the white balance on a DSLR camera, a fundamental step in ensuring accurate color reproduction in your footage. He shares tips and techniques to achieve proper white balance, helping you capture true-to-life colors in your films.
During the class, Karl addresses questions and comments from participants, offering valuable advice and clarifications. One participant asks about setting the correct color balance for shooting kitchen cabinets. Karl advises against using a white sheet of foam core, as it may not be truly white. Instead, he recommends investing in a proper grey card for more accurate color balancing.
Another participant expresses their appreciation for Karl's concise and effective explanation of lighting techniques in a 10-minute video. Karl's ability to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible is praised by the participant.
Karl also receives gratitude from a participant who values his educational contributions and encourages him to continue his excellent work.
The class discussion extends to the relationship between color temperature and temperature itself. A participant wonders why cooler temperatures are represented by higher numbers while warmer temperatures have lower numbers. Karl explains that this is because the numbers on the Kelvin scale are directly linked to temperature, and as objects or light sources get hotter, they emit colors that transition from red and yellow to blue and white. He also suggests referring to chapter 1 of LightSource in the portrait section for a more detailed explanation of the color spectrum.
Overall, the class offers a comprehensive exploration of film lighting techniques, LED lighting, color temperature, and white balance. Karl's expertise and ability to address participants' questions and comments contribute to an engaging and educational experience. Participants walk away with a deeper understanding of these concepts and the practical knowledge to apply them in their own filmmaking projects.
English
CREATIVE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES
— Karl Taylor
Intermediate
In this photography class, Karl will show you how to use creative techniques to take eye-catching and fun street shots. Here, Karl and his team were in New York taking pictures of the sun reflecting off some of New York's most famous skyscrapers. Karl adds motion blur and interesting details to the shots to show you how easy it is to create street photography style images that require minimal setup and equipment.
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SHOOTING CAR TRAILS
— Karl Taylor
Beginner
In this photography class Karl spent some time doing long exposures and photographing light trails in front of the Eiffel tower. Experimenting with long exposure photography at night can yield some lovely results, as you can see in the image below. The final image is spectacular, and is easier than you think. In this class Karl explains how to photograph car trails, the equipment you’ll need, which camera settings to use and when the best time for night photography is.
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CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES
— Karl Taylor
Intermediate
This comprehensive course is designed to take your creative photography skills to the next level. Building upon the foundation laid in the Essentials course, you will delve into more intricate technical processes and explore advanced techniques to capture stunning and creative images. With over 3.5 hours of content, Karl Taylor will guide you through a wide range of topics, providing detailed explanations and practical demonstrations.
One of the key areas covered in this course is light painting and light trails. Karl will show you how to use long exposure techniques to create mesmerizing light patterns and trails in your photographs. You will learn the art of controlling light and mastering the exposure settings to achieve the desired effect. Karl's expert guidance will help you understand the nuances of light painting and how to apply it creatively in your photography.
Fast-paced action shots are another focus of this course. Karl will teach you the techniques and camera settings needed to freeze motion and capture dynamic images. Whether you're photographing sports, wildlife, or any other fast-moving subject, you will learn how to achieve sharp and impactful results. Karl will also share tips for using burst mode, tracking subjects, and anticipating the decisive moment to capture the perfect action shot.
Remote wildlife photography is a unique and challenging genre, and Karl will show you how to overcome the obstacles and capture compelling images of animals in their natural habitats. From choosing the right equipment and setting up remote triggers to understanding animal behavior and composition, you will gain valuable insights into the art of wildlife photography. Karl's experience in this field will inspire you to venture into the wilderness and capture extraordinary moments with wildlife.
In addition to these specialized techniques, Karl will demonstrate the effective use of flash and natural light in various outdoor locations. You will learn how to balance ambient light with flash, create dramatic lighting effects, and make the most of different lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or macro subjects, Karl's tips and techniques will help you achieve professional-looking results in any outdoor setting.
Creative photography opens up a world of fascinating details and textures, and Karl will show you how to capture stunning close-up shots virtually anywhere. From flowers and insects to everyday objects, you will learn how to use macro lenses, extension tubes, and other accessories to capture intricate details and create compelling compositions. Karl will also share tips for finding interesting subjects and utilizing different lighting techniques to enhance your macro images.
As the course progresses, you will delve into more advanced and technical concepts. Karl will guide you through the process of capturing and merging HDR (High Dynamic Range) images to create stunning landscapes with a wide range of tones. You will learn how to bracket exposures, use HDR software, and enhance details and colors in your images. Panoramic photography is another technique covered in this course, and Karl will teach you how to capture multiple images and stitch them together seamlessly to create breathtaking panoramas.
Water in motion presents a unique and captivating subject for photography. Karl will demonstrate various techniques for capturing the motion of water, from silky smooth waterfalls to crashing waves. You will learn how to choose the right shutter speed, use filters to control exposure, and compose your shots for maximum impact. Karl's expert guidance will enable you to create striking images that convey the beauty and power of water.
Finally, the course concludes with a comprehensive review of the various photography techniques covered throughout. Karl will revisit the key details and insights from each lesson, allowing you to reinforce your learning and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts. This review will also inspire you to experiment with the techniques and apply them creatively to your own photography.
By enrolling in this course, you will have access to over 3.5 hours of in-depth instruction and practical demonstrations from a renowned photography expert. Karl Taylor's clear and concise teaching style, coupled with his wealth of experience, will empower you to take your photography skills to new heights. Whether you're an aspiring professional or a passionate hobbyist, this course will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to capture breathtaking images and unleash your creative potential. Get ready to embark on an exciting photographic journey and elevate your photography to the next level with Karl Taylor as your guide.
English
TRAVEL AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
— Karl Taylor
Intermediate
Travel photography is a passion shared by many, and capturing memorable images during our journeys is a great way to preserve those experiences. In this course, you will discover valuable tips and techniques that will elevate your travel photography to new heights, ensuring that you return with stunning images that you can proudly display and share with others.
Led by renowned photographer Karl Taylor, this course combines his expertise with the insights of professional landscape photographer Nick Després. Together, they will guide you through simple and repeatable techniques that will transform your landscape photography from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're capturing vast mountain ranges, serene seascapes, or charming cityscapes, these techniques will help you create magical images that truly capture the essence of the landscapes you encounter.
Throughout the course, Karl and Nick will share their knowledge on composition, lighting, and camera settings specific to landscape photography. You will learn how to effectively use leading lines, balance elements within the frame, and create a sense of depth and scale in your images. Understanding the principles of composition will enable you to create visually engaging photographs that draw viewers into the scene.
Lighting plays a crucial role in landscape photography, and Karl and Nick will teach you how to work with natural light to enhance the beauty of your landscapes. From capturing the soft hues of sunrise and sunset to harnessing the dramatic lighting of golden hour, you will gain insights into the best times to shoot and how to make the most of available light. Additionally, you will learn techniques for managing challenging lighting conditions, such as high contrast scenes or harsh midday sun.
Mastering camera settings is essential for achieving optimal results in landscape photography, and this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to confidently control your camera. You will learn about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings, and how to make intentional choices to achieve the desired effects in your images. Understanding exposure will enable you to capture the full range of tones in your landscapes, from the intricate details of shadows to the highlights of the sky.
Post-processing is also a crucial part of landscape photography, and Karl and Nick will guide you through the editing process to enhance your images further. You will learn how to bring out the true colors, enhance details, and create a consistent look and feel in your photographs. They will also share their workflow tips and techniques for organizing and managing your images effectively, ensuring that you can easily find and share your best shots.
By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and principles that contribute to captivating landscape photography. You will have the confidence and knowledge to create stunning images during your travels, capturing the beauty and essence of the landscapes you encounter. Whether you're an enthusiast looking to improve your photography or an aspiring professional seeking to take your skills to the next level, this course is a valuable resource that will elevate your landscape photography to new heights of creativity and artistry.
English