Questions! We’ve been getting questions, so lets have some answers now!

<>What’s it?
Betty asks:” What is Gaffer’s Tape“? I’ve been seeing it mentioned in a lot of articles on photography and have no idea what it is!”

Ah yes, Gaffer’s Tape. The miracle-tape used by Film Crews everywhere. The head of the lighting crew is called the Gaffer, thus the name (NOT, as it might seem to be used to cover up a mistake or Gaffe).

Gaffer’s Tape is a 2″ wide cotton-cloth tape (similar in appearance to Duct-tape) but is (typically ) flat-black so as to not show up or reflect any lighting. It’s also available in other colors.

The “miracle” part of the tape that, dispite it’s great adhesive holding power, it pretty easy to remove and doesn’t leave a gummy-residue like duct-tape can.

It’s also easily torn (but not in-use) so you don’t need a knife to tear it to length.

What’s it used for?

Tiffany asks: “So then what is Gaffer’s Tape used for?”

Of course, my bad. It’s used by the Lighting Crews (Gaffers) to temporarily tape down wires and cables, or to tape up the same on overhead set-ups.

It can be used to help hold things up or hold them down to avoid tripping or for temporary set-ups of all kinds.

Still photographers (like me) find it useful for the same things too, maybe to hold some background-paper in place, pull some elements out of the frame in a studio set-up etc.

Very useful stuff. You don’t want to leave it on too long because the adhesive will eventually take a set. The last roll I bought (at Sterling Art) cost me about $25 and has lasted for quite a while.

Can I learn Photography on-line?

Mike & Michelle ask: ” My wife (Michelle) is starting to really get into photography (Yay!). We saw a class offered on-line that was put on by (insert name here). Do you think it would be benficial?”

Almost any education you can get on photography is beneficial. The hard part is separating the wheat from the chaff (or the beef from the Bull).

After Mike asked the question, I googled the Photographer’s name to see what info was available. He (the Photographer doing the class) had a nice portfolio and a pretty good resume so, as much as you can tell from such things, I told Mike that it was probably a decent class.

The things to look for are:

-Does the class give you a good understanding of the fundamentals of Photography (ISO, Shutter-speed, aperture, color-balance, focus and all related aspects)?

-If the class is on-line, is there someone you can contact to have them critique your photos and help you with any questions?

-Is the class suited to the level of Photography you are interested in?

I also referred him to his local Junior-college as many of them have outstanding photography courses that also provide immediate answers to your questions as well as the benefits of the symbionic nature of being with other students.

The benifit of on-line classes, of course, is that they allow you to take them at your own pace and keep an eye on the kids as well.

Another good way to learn is to join one of the better photo-clubs in your area and that allows you access to people with all levels of skills. Try asking your local camera store about clubs their aware of.

Basically speaking, you can learn photography on your own by shooting and reading (and learn very well as many self-taught photographers have shown), but getting some help should speed up the learning process greatly.

Well, that’s all the space we have for now. Thank you for all your questions and keep them coming!