What’s often mistakenly called “photoshopping” is actually what editors & photographers refer to as retouching. Along with fixing exposure or changing color temperature, this is a crucial step in editing that helps complete an image. Sometimes, people over-edit until their subjects no longer look human. Unless you’re doing an extraterrestrial shoot, you’ve gone too far. A caveat I should mention is that in certain genres *cough* editorial fashion *cough* it is still expected for an image to be over-edited. While I’m never a fan of this air-brushed “perfection” you may have to follow through with it if you work for a magazine or even on ADs that will be in one. While I wouldn’t refer to these as rules, they are still guidelines that I notice several excellent photographers abide by. You can do what you want with your work of course, but if you are curious about how I retouch, here are some practices I recommend to use and others to avoid. This is step 4 for me in my editing workflow, if you’d like to know how the rest of my process goes, check out this post. DO remove distracting flyaway hairs […]
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So this month I’ve got to be completely honest and reveal that I didn’t match up an image with a predetermined prompt. I was trying to find something in my archives, but couldn’t. However, I do really enjoy this image and find that it matches with the overall theme I have for this series so that’s why it deserves to be posted. May the light be with you. Follow
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One of the 1st L-series lenses that people recommend is the 24-105mm. I originally bought mine to use for filming videos because it’s much faster to re-frame scenes with a zoom lens than switching between prime lenses. I have used it for event shooting as well and here are my thoughts below. PROS – versatile – quality images produced CONS – pricy – biggest aperture only 4.0mm Because of the large focal range, you have the ability to capture wide & telephoto with the simple turn of a dial. This is a great lens for when you need speed, so think events, sports, animals etc. The photos you take are sure to be quality as well because of the L attached to its name. Unfortunately due to the L in the name, this is a more expensive lens to invest in. A beginner may be scared away by the up to $1000 price tag, but find once they have more experience may be interested in purchasing. The biggest downside to this lens is its aperture only goes up to 4.0mm. Not the best for lowlight so expect to use flash or some other exterior light […]
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Even if you’ve just picked up a camera, chances are you’ve heard of the infamous “golden hour.” Also referred to as “magic hour,” this time occurs right before sunset/after sunrise and provides a very specific type of light. Many prefer the warmth & glow this light creates for their portraits and will recommend it to others. Not typically my choice because of the limited time window and recognizable warmth, I do on occasion shoot during this time. Here are some tips & examples below. Scout beforehand If you have a location in mind, go there before the shoot during the time you chose. You’ll be able to pick specific areas you want to place your subject, and see how the light will really look. Sometimes this timeframe is too dark for the look you’re going for, or will wind up being too yellow for your preferences. Checking ahead of time can ensure you have a backup plan if this location doesn’t work. Show up early If you’re really an early bird, you’ll have to take your subject to your location at or just before sunrise. Depending on how many shots you plan on doing, an hour may […]
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Though most of our field is visually based, there are times when we need to provide written information as well. Here are some things to keep in mind when that time arises. Pick a style You’ve probably come up with a favorite style of writing over the years. Some people like concise, to-the-point sentences and others like long, drawn out flowery language *points at self.* Whatever your preference, pay attention to why you like it. Is it easy to relate to? Does it communicate the message in a better way? Is it entertaining? All of these factors will come together and help form your voice. Know your topic/audience Are you drafting up a step-by-step tutorial that will need every bit explained? Or is this a more broad description of your latest series? Knowing how much detail should be shared and who you’re inevitably sharing it with is vital. Think about what you want people to gain from reading what you write and go from there. Edit, Edit, Edit Once you do finish a rough, be a relentless editor. No one needs spelling errors or simple grammatical faults distracting from their real message. Read what you’ve written […]
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This month’s challenge had me digging in the archives once again (busy summer, what can I say?) This was from the winter when there were ice sculptures all around and bits of the frozen stuff were stuck on a nearby fence. I love the simplicity of this single nail in all that texture. May the light be with you. Follow
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On occasion whether through work or other projects, you may be asked to shoot certain events. I thought I’d share some tips on what I’ve learned over the years & show a few recent shots for inspiration. Find out as much as you can about the venue beforehand. You want to know if the event will take place indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both. This will allow you to adequately gauge lighting, size of space, schedule, etc. Overpack. You don’t want to be mid-event with a dead battery and no backup. I’d suggest having extra memory cards & batteries to be safe. Make sure everything is charged the night before as well. Wear something comfortable yet appropriate. If this is a black tie event, dress up a bit. If it’s a casual get together, stay simple. You basically want to blend in with the crowd as much as possible. By doing so, guests will notice you less and be more genuine in your photos. Here are a few images that I feel communicate three big ideas in regards to events. The Emotions This is my favorite photo. Even though Barney is beyond blown […]
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As a person with a nice amount of melanin, I have noticed many an image of pale skin from my peers. It’s an unfortunate result of living in a majorly white society, but it is no excuse for comments like, “dark skin is so hard to expose for!” Inaccurate. If anything, on a very bright day, a white subject wearing dark clothing is harder to expose for vs a black subject wearing light clothing in the same conditions. High contrast will have its challenges regardless of the model’s ethnicity, but I am sick of photographers perpetuating this negative view on minorities. So instead of blaming a person’s skin color, why not try and learn how to change your settings on your camera? If you can’t adapt to different types of people, you still have a lot to learn. See my pseudo photographer post here. The majority of my posts are meant to help in a general sense, but I will not hesitate to point out specific wrongs I’ve seen other photographers do. If you also hear these destructive comments being said, feel free to educate those individuals as well. Alright, rant complete. I’m […]
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So for this month I basically winged it. I have come to find that I no longer want to pursue the dual portrait/abstract subject matter for this challenge (though that may change when I have more access to models.) Moving forward, I’d like to be less strict with “following the prompts” and have more fun photographing what I see. This was an enamel sculpture I saw while traveling in Minneapolis and I couldn’t resist the beautiful curve of that shadow. May the light be with you. Follow
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Ah, the power of three. There’s something pleasing about that number. Even though it isn’t even, it usually is just enough to get what you need. Key Light, Fill Light, & Back Light One of the most done studio setups of all time. There’s a reason it’s been used for so many years by so many different photographers. It works. The results are solid. And it’s incredibly simple to set up. Your main light is in front of your subject, slightly to the side, your fill on the other side, & your back light behind them and skimming their head. Since the above is so well known, let’s try 3 other arrangements. 2 Side Lights & a Front Light Place 1 light on one side of your subject and the other directly opposite it. Use your third light as a center key light facing the subject. All of your shadows will be diminished and this will give you a very high key look. 2 Back Lights & a Front Light Place 1 light slightly to the side, yet behind the subject. Put the second light on the other side. For your front light, place it […]
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