Tuesday
23Feb2010

Score!

DateTuesday, February 23, 2010 at 11:14PM

A couple of props I just purchased...

A gorgeous brown Flokati wool rug for newborn and baby sessions.

And

This awesome faux Barnwood rug (I actually got 2 smaller ones instead of this big one) for a fake floor.


 

Looks like I bought the last ones since they are both now sold out...oops! I'm sure they will be back in stock soon ;-).

I can't wait to get these in and put them to use! I'll post pics as soon as I can.

AuthorBrandy | CommentPost a Comment |
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Saturday
23Jan2010

what I create with...Photoshop | tupelo child photographer

DateSaturday, January 23, 2010 at 3:31PM

Ok, following up from my last post, I stopped short of diving into the world of Photoshop because it deserves a discussion of it's own.  I love Photoshop, the version I use is CS3.  Now what do I do with my plain, neutral images that come across from Lightroom?  Here is my process on one of my images, step-by-step.

 

 


As you can see above, I try to look at the photo and see what needs to be fixed while I still have it in Lightroom.

 

This is the initial edit I ended up with out of Lightroom.  I brightened the whole thing up with the brightness adjustment slider and used the dust spot removal tool to get rid of the glowing red exit sign.  I then chose to edit the image in Photoshop.

 

Once in Photoshop, I usually fix any other specific defects in the image, but this was a pretty clean shot straight out of the camera.  So I decided to run one of my new favorite actions on it from Florabella called "Soft Urban".  You'll see the results of that in the below...

 

Now, normally I have to adjust the effect of actions that I use on my images.  Actions are not "one-size-fixes-all" items.  You must tweak the layers and make it your own.  However, in this instance, it just worked perfectly for this image, no adjustment required (but that's truly rare).  If I had wanted to adjust it, though, I would go through each layer created by the action and lower or raise the opacity of each one to make it work for my taste.  You should always at least try to make adjustments because you never know what you'll end up with if you just use a little creativity!  Now, time for a little flavor...texture!!

I don't always use textures in my images.  In fact, I only do it to images that are a bit "artsy" and need a little boost.  All of the open area around the subject of this shot just screams for a bit of texture!  This texture is, again, by Florabella (have I mentioned how much I love them?) and is called Attache (warm).  Now, all you have to do to apply a texture to an image (super easy) is open your texture image in your editing software, select all, copy, close then paste onto the image you are applying it to.  You can use a variety of blending modes to change the look of the texture on the image.  I chose to go with "Overlay" blending mode and lowered the opacity to 15%.  I don't like the texture to be applied to the skin of my subjects, so I just take my handy-dandy eraser and erase the texture layer off her face.  

This texture is a bit heavier and more obvious that I normally would use, but I think it works here.  I just adds a bit of oomph to the shot.  Next comes sharpening.  See how the image is a bit "soft"?  We are about to fix that...

 

See the difference?  There are a million different ways to sharpen your image.  You can do it by hand using Filter-> Sharpen-> Unsharp Mask in the Photoshop menu or use a sharpening action like I have done here.  I have tried lots of actions and I found this one to be a nice fit for my work and makes my editing time much faster than sharpening by hand every time.  Sharpening should always be done LAST, just before saving and closing your image.

And there you have it!  Step-by-step of how I processed this image.  Of course, this look does not work with every image, but I shot this image with this effect in mind.  I wanted it to look modern but vintage at the same time.

 

Now, this is just how *I* process my images.  You should find your own style, workflow, and "look" by experimenting with different actions, filters, textures, etc.  It's fine to use this tutorial as a jumping off point to kick-start your own creative juices, but be original.  No one likes a copy cat and the image will never feel like "yours" if all you do is imitate others.  Make each image scream "you" and you will be fine :)

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in the comment section and I will answer as best I can.  Remember, I'm no Photoshop expert by any means.  I'm just a photographer who has found a nice groove with my workflow.  If I don't know the answer, though, I will do my best to find it for you.  I hope you enjoyed this little demonstration!  

Until next time...

 

 

 

AuthorBrandy | Comment6 Comments |
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Friday
15Jan2010

What I create with...software | tupelo child photographer

DateFriday, January 15, 2010 at 4:32PM

Ahh, the joy of a newly shot session...a CF card full of RAW files just waiting to be converted into beautiful works of art.  Can't you just feel the excitement!

As if that last sentence didn't tip you off, post-processing is one of my favorite aspects of photography.  I love bringing out the best in each shot and putting my special touch on every image.  This is where you get to see your vision come to life.  Where your style shines through and an image becomes totally "yours".  No one else can create another image exactly like yours.  Processing puts your own unique fingerprint on your image and I just don't believe in handing out images that I haven't put my stamp on.  Otherwise, what was I hired for? 

Let me say this now in case there are any JPEG shooters reading this, I only shoot RAW.  I don't think I've shot a JPEG image since discovering RAW.  It's forgiving, flexible, and sparks my creativity in a way a JPEG file just can't handle.  Of course, I won't go into all the technical aspects of RAW vs. JPEG in this post, but there are plenty of discussions out there...just Google it.

The Software.

Once I've filled my memory card with lovely "raw" material, so to speak, I'm itching to see what I can create with it.  To process these files, a special type of software is needed.  My choice? Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.  I use this software not only to process and do a quick pre-edit on my images, but also to catalog, sort, and organize my images by date and client.  Now this software can do a LOT more than what I use it for, like creating slideshows, building web galleries, and printing lovely works of art.  But the only two modules I use with consistency is the Library and Develop modules.  

The Library is where the images are organized, keyworded, flagged, and viewed.  I usually import all my images and then do a quick look through to "flag" all the keepers and "reject" all the stinkers.  Once I've done that, I'll go back through the flagged images and further  narrow down the contenders by choosing the best from a set of duplicates and just giving a more thorough look then unflag any that don't pass muster.  All these final picks (or flagged images) get their own home in a Collection named with the month and client name.

Now comes the fun part...the editing.  I don't do any intensive editing in Lightroom, although it can be a complete workflow for some.  I prefer to "finish" my images in Photoshop, but more on that later.  Basically, I do white balance, noise reduction (if needed), and exposure tweaking in Lightroom.  I do have a TON of presets, but I've become less and less excited about them as time has passed.  I've found that I much prefer the look of Photoshop actions to Lightroom presets.  There are literally thousands of free Lightroom presets out there for the taking.  Just do the Google thing and you'll be bombarded with results.  Go ahead and download your favorites and try them out.  You might just find that Lightroom is all you need!

Once I get my images to a nice, neutral state (that's where I like to start my Photoshop work), I start the finishing process.  Now, this is just how I do it.  That does not mean that there isn't a better, faster, or more efficient way out there, lol, but it works for me.  I use the handy-dandy "edit in Photoshop" function in Lightroom to create a PSD copy of my image and open it up in Photoshop for finishing.

So clearly, the other software that I use to edit my images is Adobe Photoshop.  I currently have CS3 but the most up to date version is CS4.  Photoshop can be a bit intimidating to start with.  I actually started out with Photoshop Elements which is MUCH cheaper and more user friendly for the beginner.  However, I found that I quickly outgrew Elements and moved on up to full-blown Photoshop and all the wonderful actions, plug-ins and magic that entails :).  

I think I'm going to stop here and make this a 2 part post, 'cause it's getting kind of long.  So, RAW files, Lightroom, and Photoshop (oh my!).  Tune in to the next exciting installment for all things Photoshop!  Or, at least what I do with Photoshop :)

Questions and comments welcome as always! 

AuthorBrandy | CommentPost a Comment |
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Monday
11Jan2010

what I create with...camera equipment | tupelo custom child photographer

DateMonday, January 11, 2010 at 12:54AM

I've been inspired by numerous requests from aspiring photographers to create this special little blog-within-a-blog just for fellow photogs to answer questions, provide information, inspire creativity, and have a little fun in the process.  I've decided to start off this endeavor with the answer to this very common question...

"What camera and lenses do you shoot with?"

 

The Camera 

The Canon 5D Mark II .  I l-o-v-e this camera. 

I started out with a Canon Rebel Xti (which has been replaced with the Canon Rebel XSi), then upgraded to the Canon 40D (which has been replaced with the Canon 50D and is now my backup camera) before finally upgrading last year to this beauty.  I could not be happier with my decision.  This camera has all I need with high ISO performance, a full frame sensor, and 21 megapixels that I can crop to my little heart's content :)

I don't see myself having to upgrade again for quite some time.  I am finally convinced that my camera can help me create the images that I truly want without having to worry about limitations.

Oh, and it will shoot lovely video clips too!  I like to capture just a few little snippets of video during a session (when I can remember to do it!) to enhance my Animoto video after the session.  Fun!

 

The Lenses

 First of all, let me preface this section with a personal preference...prime lenses.  I love them.  I have tried several high-quality zoom lenses and while I'm sure they are wonderful and produce excellent images for some people, I was just not happy with the sharpness.  Primes have spoiled me with the sharp, crisp images I can create with them.  Here are the ones that I currently have in my camera bag...

 

The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens.  What a beauty.  This lens produces beautiful crisp focus on the subject while the background simply fades into oblivion with it's wonderful bokeh.  Although I don't shoot with this lens often, there are cases where no other lens will do.  THESE images were taken with this lens (but don't judge by these pics, the snow made my auto-focus nuts!).  You must have some distance between you and your subject to use this lens because of the focal length, so indoors is out (so to speak).  I love how I can be quite a ways from the scene and still get some beautiful, close-up shots without invading my subject's personal space. 

 

 

 

The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens that won't break your budget.  Super affordable, incredibly sharp, and great bokeh to boot.  You simply can't go wrong with this one.  I love this one for outdoor sessions, but again, indoors it can be a challenge unless you have a large space to work in.  Of course, with a full-frame camera like the one I use, it isn't impossible in small quarters, but I still prefer it in the great outdoors.  THESE images were created with this one.  This lens is also light-weight and super portable, so it makes a great lens for chasing around little ones :)

 

 

And last, but certainly not least, is my new favorite lens of all, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens.  This lens and I got off to a rocky start.  I could NOT get the focus to be "spot on" where I needed it to be.  Fortunately, when I made the time to sit down and work with it, the lens adjustment feature on my 5D saved the day.  Once I micro-adjusted the focus on this lens, it has completely changed my opinion.  It's now tack sharp where it needs to be and has smooth, creamy bokeh in all the right places.  This is my go-to lens for indoor shoots, newborns, and general use.  It's big, but it's a beauty.  It is a bit more pricey than Canon's 50mm f1.4, but I decided to go with the Sigma based on reveiws and past experience with another Sigma lens.  All-in-all, I've been super stoked about this lens since it's decided to play nice :)  THESE images were taken with this beauty.

 

You'll notice links throughout this post directing you to Amazon.com to read other's reveiws, details, and possibly purchase the items that I've spoken about.  I've decided to promote these from Amazon because that's actually where I purchase most of my equipment and where I do a ton of research before making a purchase.  I totally immerse myself in the reviews.  You should know upfront that these links are affiliate links (I want to be totally honest with you) and I do recieve dividends if you purchase items by using these links. 

Tune in next time for the next exciting installment of "What I Create With".  What's the next component you would like to learn about?  Software?  Actions?  Accessories?  Leave a comment if you have a special request! 

And thanks for visiting :)

AuthorBrandy | Comment3 Comments |
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