Review Miniature Mentor's new mini-photography video

[combatartist]

Hi to all:​

As a subscriber to MM's web program, I wanted to share "my" review of the new Miniature Mentor video "The complete guide to photographing miniatures". I have downloaded many of their videos, some good, some not as good...this one falls somewhere in between. Be prepared! This is a lengthy video at 7hrs!!! Personally, I feel this could have been reduced to 3 hrs max if the photographer didn't try to explain every "purpose" of the equipment. They specifically tell you upfront that "this is NOT for the beginner", so why he goes into lengthy details about the basics is a bit confusing and takes up time.​

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If you haven't a 12MP SLR/Digital camera or higher, with a 100mm lens - don't bother to order this video. They state that the "tutorial is designed for any and all budgets", but they highly recommend a 12Mp (or greater) SLR/Digital camera + lens, and other items (remote release,$30 USD bulbs x 4) etc., and say that you can buy these items cheaply on eBay and at other online photo supply companies. It starts to add up when you buy the colored film diffusers, graduated backgrounds and the simple Ikea artist lamps with specific halogen bulbs. This is not a generalized video - it follows and teaches a very specific way to take miniature photos with this specific equipment. No light tents, no simple point and shoot or iPhone photography (see the close-up photography app Lumin at www.bitsonthego.com - it's so good it's sick!) Will I win awards for my photography, no, I'm a modeler and not a pro-photographer, and this gets me to the point. Unless you can afford the specific equipment that is suggested or can't process RAW files, or that you can't afford Adobe Photoshop CS5 or CS6 extended, this won't be of value to the "regular" modeler. If you want to take professional grade images of your miniatures for publication or HD web use, and are interested in experimenting with new techniques, etc. then by all means give it a viewing.​

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Miniature Mentor (http://www.miniaturementor.com) provides some interesting tutorial videos for the Fantasy painter. Of course, these techniques can be translated to historical figures, and I have found some of the videos worth the subscription fee, but not all videos have the same production quality do to the various painter's ability to communicate and the location of their studios. I hope this review helps out.​

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Regards;​

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Tony S​

 

[billyturnip]

Thanks for doing the review Tony.
So there's still a gap in the market for a video tutorial for us mere mortals...... anyone????

Roger

 

[bagelman1952]

I remember when this video was announced on here a few weeks back it generated some heated discussion regarding the equipment that would be needed. I expressed my concerns that everything needed would be beyond the pocket of most average modellers who would rather spend their hard earned cash on the next figure. Was repeatedly told the video was for anybody on any budget and you only needed a basic camera with no special lights. Thanks for the review, it just confirms my initial impression.

 

[Helm]

Thanks for doing the review Tony.
So there's still a gap in the market for a video tutorial for us mere mortals...... anyone????

Roger

My advice is the same as for DIY mate get some other bugger to do it

 

[combatartist]

Thanks for doing the review Tony.
So there's still a gap in the market for a video tutorial for us mere mortals...... anyone????

Roger

You bet Roger! Like I said, this tutorial went beyond the typical photo set-up and really was aimed at macro photography buffs who have a lot of the stuff already.

A SBS video on miniature photography for mortals would be great!

Tony S

 

[combatartist]

I remember when this video was announced on here a few weeks back it generated some heated discussion regarding the equipment that would be needed. I expressed my concerns that everything needed would be beyond the pocket of most average modellers who would rather spend their hard earned cash on the next figure. Was repeatedly told the video was for anybody on any budget and you only needed a basic camera with no special lights. Thanks for the review, it just confirms my initial impression.

You were spot on. This was all about depth of field utilizing the equipment and techniques outlined in the tutorial, which understandably, is so very critical in getting a "great" image. Was there any ONE item, alibi the 12-14 Mp SLR, mentioned that was crazy expensive? No, but after watching this for a while, it dawned on me that this could get expensive quick. The other thing that ran through my mind was; "Why in the hell would a figure painter want to spend so much time on photographing their work?". To me, it would take away from painting, which I have little time to do as it is.

As a sidebar to this macro-photography/depth of field issue (DOF), I just upgraded my Photoshop CS2 to CS5, which is outdated with the advent of CS6 extended. This is professional software, very expensive and is not for the faint hearted (I use it for my military art), with this said, I went to the Adobe website to see what all the "raves" where about, thinking it would be just add on's - boy was I wrong! There is a new filter/plug-in "blur" feature that allows you to manipulate the DOF and tweak color, sharpness, etc., thus eliminating much of the issues raised in the video about DOF issues. Don't get me wrong, crappy, out of focus photos are not going to miraculously (St.Kodax) become stellar shots, but IF you are fortunate enough to justify buying CS6 extended, without getting killed by your significant other, it's the way of the future (where did hear that before?). This is not for the average Joe/Jane, but if you are a Photoshop geek like I pretend to be, this is one heck of a program: http://www.adobe.com/products/photo...a_split_psx-new-blur-gallery_708x398-1300.mp4

 

[bagelman1952]

I have CS6 and have been a Photoshop user for years. It is expensive but there are a number of lesser known pieces of software out there (some of which is shareware or free) which can correct almost any bad photo to the eye of all but the most ardent camera purist. If you want to take your modelling hobby another step into the realms of the David Baileys of this world then that is fine. For most of us the quick shot route is all we want.

 

[T-34/85]

Tony, thanks for saving me some aggravation. I was looking into this and pricing the camera and lense and it was getting close to four figures.

 

[Einion]

Thanks for the review Tony, confirms many of the things that were brought up in the the thread in News announcing this.

So there's still a gap in the market for a video tutorial for us mere mortals...... anyone????

As I referred to originally there is tons of existing info online about close-up and macro photography. Quite a bit of good stuff geared to improving product shots for eBay for example, and the same lighting setups would work well for many miniature photographers.

Beyond photography, lighting and setup there's also oodles of tips, guides and SBSs on post-processing to improve on certain things if you can't get them right in-camera (which many people with lower-end cameras won't be able to do, claims to the contrary in the previous thread notwithstanding).

Einion

 

[bane3D]

you can check here http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/photo-course-needed.50364/ and as Gordy said - http://www.planetfigure.com/pages/Photographing-miniatures-and-figures/ - think it's enough SBS you need for miniature/figure photography

 

[billyturnip]

After making that remark I did look and you're right Einion there is plenty. I can't post a link at the moment but one of the better ones I found was on the Portal site and is also in one of the Wamp online mags.

Roger.

 

[jcichon]

Thanks for the review!!! See, thats what pisses me off!! I asked MM about their tutorial even if I had a simple point and shoot digital camera. I'm glad I didnt buy this tutorial!!!!

 

[housecarl]

Straight and to the point.
Money saved.
Thanks,
Carl.

 

[Bailey]

I just saw this review posted on MassiveVoodoo. Here is what Raffa had to say about the course:

"Hey everyone!

In this review I'll be watching the Complete Guide to Photographing Miniatures by Miniature Mentor. You can get this DVD from Miniature Mentor, at the moment there is only a download aviable.

Weighing a hefty 9.5 GB download, this 7+ hours of HD material is a pretty big boy to download, so check your internet connection if you plan on getting this, otherwise you have to wait for the DVD version.

Normally Roman writes most of the reviews, but as I make all the miniature photos for him and myself, I think this falls in my field of work

So, the person that will be your teacher on this DVD is Felix Wedgwood, a very experienced product photographer.

After watching the DVD I can honestly say I've still learned a thing or two.
This DVD is in my opinion aimed on the more experienced photographer. To get the most out of the DVD you should maybe be willing to spend some dollars on new lamps (the lamps introduced on the DVD are now in our studio and they are just AWESOME!) or a new camera if you don't already own a DSLR or good lamps.

But even withouth spending more money for new equipment you will get a lot out of the DVD, the knowledge shared is very good and also coveres the basics of taking miniature photos including a good light setup (without a photo box) etc.

The knowledge on the DVD is very in depth, Felix is a professional and he really shares his knowledge and experience for this topic. At very few points the DVD was boring to me, and I have to say I'm really not an unexperienced photographer.

My conclusion for this review:
If you are interested in improving your miniature photos, this DVD will pretty sure pay out.

Best wishes,
Raffa"