Upgraded dark room
I have a strong interest in HDR photography. I really love it when applied in a subtle way, though sometimes I like the overly done approach as well. I came across www.stuckincustoms.com and really enjoy Trey’s work. I then learned about NIK Software’s HDR Efex Pro, I am excited and eagerly awaiting its release. While waiting for that software to be released I got one of their bundles.
I started playing around with the various software pieces of the bundle and all I can say is Wow! This software makes working in my dark room a lot easier and the results are wonderful. I am still learning how to use the software so I’ll get better but even after just a day, the results are very nice.
If you scroll through the archives of my blog about a year ago I spent time with a wonderful family with the sole purpose of taking their pictures. That was a first for me, I was extremely nervous. One of the pictures from that day I really like but always knew it needed some assistance in the dark room. Today I used the new tools at my disposal and I think made a much better version.
So first is the original photograph, the 2nd image is the revised image.
What do you think? Better? Could it be better? Even though the child is not my own, I am so drawn to this picture. I love how the viewer is drawn to the thoughts that could be going through his mind. Of course this was just a very short moment in time, as kids have short attention spans and they were both running around that day.
Collection of photos from my first
I finished editing the photos from my first session. Overall not too bad in my mind, I see room for improvement. If myself and my clients want photographs of posed shots then I need work on directing them. I did very minimal directing with this family. I should have known better as a father, but at the end the kids were getting tired and ready for nap. You can click on the smaller images below to get a slideshow.
Today was my first
At this point I am trying to build my portfolio and practice my craft. My goal is to one day (sooner rather than later) make photography my full time career. I love the creative possibilities that are possible when I’m behind the camera. I am currently employed in Information Technology (geek stuff) and it has lost its appeal that it once had.
Until today I had not photographed people besides my family, by that I mean spent time with others specifically to photograph them. Today I got the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with a wonderful family. They were so kind to allow me this opportunity. Going over the pictures for the 1st time I remembered something. If you’re taking a group shot and you truly want the picture, double check at the time. While I prefer to use a more photojournalistic approach, that is letting the people be themselves and sit back and capture the moments for them, we tried some posed group family shots for experimentation. They did not turn out. In each one at least one person was doing something that distracts from the photo. Oh well that is why I did this shot, to get more practice.
I know at least one relative is anxious to see the photos from today, so I am posting four of them that caught my eye on first review. I was left with 110 photos after the first review. I was also reminded today that kids are easy to photograph, they forget and ignore the camera. Adults on the other hand tend to notice it more and “freeze” or “pose”. When I get the 70-200 2.8 lens that problem should go away a little bit. The last one was taken with my fisheye lens, the bend in the lines is normal for that type of lens. I have done very little processing of these images, most are straight from the camera.
Post a comment and let me know what you think.
*Update – the first image had some blown highlights, I have hopefully improved the image a bit. I added a black and white version of it as well.
