Ok, I know I’m not advanced. I use this program mostly for cleanup, and a few other tricks. But lately I’ve been digging deep into what can be done to “enhance” an original image. A particular photographer’s style has me intrigued, and I’ve been trying to mimic what I like about his work.
Here are three versions of one image. First the original, then my personal “action”, and then one created to mimic the style in question.
It’s been a long time since I used my studio lights for a nude session, but the timing of this session dictated it.
This traveling model visited me in late July. We’ve talked about shooting for well over a year, and the chance finally came.
My goal was a sunrise session because of the oppressive heat around here, and how hazy it gets later in the day. She arrived about 11pm the night before, but we were able to strike out at about 5am for my favorite location.
The results were beyond my expectations.
I have no models lined up for the remainder of the year, and may not shoot again in 2009. It’s been very productive, but I have neglected my friend, my art and my music. Time for a break.
We always called these “mosquito eaters”, but today I learned the true name. I found this guy hanging on my door this morning, trying to hide from the wind. So I captured him, put him in a jar and into my refrigerator so I could gain his confidence and cooperation, then prepared my camera and setup (8.5×11 white paper).
Using a macro ring flash, I captured this image. After a few shots, he was warm enough to let go. Now I want to spend the summer shooting with bugs of all kinds.
Can you identify this bird? These things are singing outside my apartment every morning before sunrise, but I can never see what it is. They stop by the time the sun comes up.
At last, something BLOOMS.
I’ve spent this entire day, from about 6am until maybe 5:30, editing my store. I needed a way to allow shoppers to search by model, rather than just wander around lost in the 600+ images for sale. I finally found a package I could depend on to do this for me.
Installation was the easy part, really. The rest of the day was spent editing each individual image to be added to the model database. Then cross-checking to be sure all images had a model, and then to cross-check against my inventory here at home. Let’s just say my eyes are swimming, and I have a migraine now.
But it’s almost done. I still need to edit the front page to say Model, rather than Brand. It’s a generic package, after all. Not meant specifically for my store. This will change, too.
I need a drink!
Last Monday, I was privileged to shoot a bridal portrait session for my dear friend Ashley. It was very windy, and as cold as a wedge… but we were able to make the wind work for us. The cold… no. We ran from that as soon as we were done.
Thanks, Ash!
It’s been 31 years since the last time I was the guitarist in a regular, performing band. I’ve sat in a few times over the years, but never had my OWN band again. I do my own thing (if you’ve followed my music links here, you know this much about me). So about a week ago, the bass player from one of my early bands calls me up to say he’s found a drummer, and they need a guitarist. I’ve actually been on the verge of starting a band, just to get out and DO something with my talents, so this was exactly the call I needed.
So we started practicing last week, feeling out what we want to do, what we CAN do, and what we love to play. All of us are in our late 40’s to mid 50’s, so our best era is 70’s music. Hard rock, to be exact. It’s a kick in the ass, and we’re finding a pretty good sound as we go along. Still don’t have a singer, and may want to add a keyboardist, but for now it’s the guitar/bass/drum power trio everyone is so familiar with. Can’t have a rock band without that axis.
All I know is that I needed this, and I’m going to enjoy it to it’s fullest.
This time-lapse video spans about two hours. The leaf eventually fell outside the focusing distance of my macro setup, or I would have gone on recording longer. This new Shefflera leaf is reaching toward the window, seeking more direct light.