Hello fellow VOXers, I think I am back. Its been about a year since I have done anything on this site. I have to say that since last, I have grown substantially in many areas of my profession and life. The two major things since last are that I was awarded that NEA scholarship through my college to study Rembrandt and Shakespeare in Europe and in January I started a Fine Art Printing business. Ill get into more details with the both of them at other times when the event makes itself appropriate. I learned to keep some things to myself so that I don't spread knowledge that I have created through work flow. It will make me better mentally, but I can still blog.
But Id like to start with this image to give a perspective of how far I have come and how much I still will grow. This image is a small culmination of all that I have accomplished. Seeing something in my head and being able to faithfully recreate it. I am starting to re-kick my photography into overdrive and keeping it for myself to enjoy. I have decided to keep photography for myself (as much as possible) and do the printing as the job. All will work out for me and I hope I can continue to use vox to get my mind on e-paper. Enjoy.
This blog is being shut down for a bit. I have a bunch of stuff that needs to be figured out and the minimalist approach seems the only way to clear the head. Thanks to all those who helped me with photo, ill be back some day.
Well its 2:07 am, I am going to my fiancee's house today at 10, and its not looking good for me. But here is the good news: I debunked my color crisis!
As they normally do, thoughts start to flow into my head while laying in bed on a sleepless night. The many questions I have pondered for a while seep into my conscious and disturb me until I fall into the many stages of sleep. Sometimes, these questions grab a train ride into my subconscious and annoy me there. My color issue, one that has been eating at my brain for months, has finally come to a close. Whats the secret you say? Its simple, listen to the experts, and your problems are solved.
The culprit is Huey made by Pantone. Again, cheapness has failed me and the superior product has encouraged inspiration and shunned frustration. For some odd reason, when ever I worked on my files using a Huey profile, the images from bridge, to Photoshop, to viewing them in windows were all different. When I posted the stuff online, they to turned out odd. So I decided to whip out my gold old friend Spyder made by Colorvision. Reading Photoshop CS3 for photographers specified this product as a good alternative to more expensive units. No where did it mention Huey. I installed and ran Spyder and the difference in profiling is amazing. I think an issue was communication across multi programs regarding the Huey profile. Spyder profile seems universal and all programs use it on my system now. Thus I have flawless work flow! Well, its not flawless, but the error margin is so slight, even I can not notice it. So hurray to me and those who helped on this issue, including Alicia who's image was the test subject for this nights experiment. Is all forgiven?
I have much to talk about today. Work has been slow but I try to continue organizing and studying to fill the gap.
The most recent news is my mass organization project. I have realized the potential of damage now that 90% of my medium is digital. All my work and such live on a piece of metal that can fail. My main hard drive to my computer had failed while I was in Europe. I came home and my poor fiancée was distraught over it failing. She was blaming herself and I was too (like a jerk) until I came home and found out the issue. The drive had always been damaged and I had thought it was a different drive. Come to find out, it was not, it was the main computer hard drive. The part of the drive that was damaged was conveniently the part that contained windows. Thus I could not enter my computer and retrieve my data. For the most part, it wasn’t a big deal because I had backed up my work to an exterior hard drive. I still had much work laying on my computer hard drive and that needed to be saved. So through the power of god… or wait, was it linux, I was able to get into the hard drive using a linux OS system that boots off a disc. I transferred all my good data onto an exterior drive, took out the failed hard drive (physically destroyed it) and replaced it with what was my secondary internal hard drive. I than reformatted that drive, installed windows and now we are up and running.
What that ultimately told me is I needed to design a systematic approach to preserving my data. I apologize to the person that told me this, I forgot who it was, it was someone from vox. They told me a good way to preserve raw data is to burn them on disc prior to touching them in photoshop. I haven’t been able to do this, but now that I have completed a total burning of all my stuff, I will start to do this. A total of 32 gigs of files have been burned on disc and I have them still on external hard drive that barley ever runs. This does not include personal photos since the year 2003. This process has been a burden on my shoulders and I am happy to say that I am pretty much on the straight and narrow regarding protecting my stuff.
Now let’s talk about my lens. I have come across the issue that was inevitably going to happen. The vignetting issue of my 17-40mm L lens. I understood it was an issue but now its my goal to figure out why and how to compensate. From what I gather, there is a chart the stars low and improves and than decreases in clarity when zooming from 17 to 40mm. The optimum focal length for clarity is said to be 24mm on this lens. What I also am starting to gather, which is more a hunch than actual fact, is that your f stop can also help in clarity. I am guessing that the higher number, smaller opening, the more clarity you have. Again, this may be wrong. As it goes, I believe all equipment is only as good as the user. I need to understand its capabilities as best I can so I know what to do in each situation. I know one can compensate for crappy focus on the edges, time to figure out how.
Now onto my more interesting topic. Recently, I have been working with a guy who is an artist who specializes in prints. He had asked me to help clean out his old house in preparation for selling it off. He was born in 1950 and has lived in that house his whole life. You can feel a strong vibe of the 70’s in which he was in his twenties during that time. The colors, shapes, decorations, all give off that time period. So going through boxes, I discovered to my excitement a stack of old Playboys. Now help me out fellow photographers. Most people think my initial excitement was the idea of nudity. Can you all justify what my true excitement was over? Yes it was the style of photography, the fashion of the time, the models and how the looked compared to those today. I was in photography history heaven and what better source than an original Playboy from 1970! So I asked the owner who happened to be the brother of the artist if he was doing anything with them. Nope, so I took them. I also took an old American Tourister travel… what ever you want to call them.
But the excitement became even more after looking through the magazine. The vibes I got from this publication shifted to what I had thought of Playboy for many years. This magazine really re-introduced me to the concept of play, which has taken on a new directive today. Although nudity, sex, and anything pleasurable was in the magazine, it had a more respectful and fun vibe to it. Today’s Playboy aura seems to emit a lusty approach to nudity. Old Playboy seemed more fun, more alive, almost, I don’t know, real. The models smiles, bodies, everything is real, almost like you could know them in person.
I know this is all based on minimal perception. I am sure if I researched Playboy today, their goals would be different than my interpretation. I base a lot of thought on intuition and first impressions. The Playboys I have show a highly artistic, fun, and alive, sometimes abstract nature to nudity and sex. It has a purpose beyond sex; it serves to please the eyes and the senses beyond what is possible through flat images. I just know what I seen in the old magazine appealed to me more than what is depicted in most of the nude work today. It was real.
Thanks for reading!
So I got my lens yesterday and waited to write about it because sheer excitement can distort ones impressions. I did however go outside and do some shooting. So for only a days worth of reviewing this is what I found.
First thing I noticed off the bat was the amazing amount of color in the image. I did not change my EOS 30D outside of its standard setting and used nothing but the lens. The copper orange in my cats eyes glowed and was amazing to look at. This was only just shooting him as he passed by, nothing staged. I don't mind this point at all. I can not compare sharpness to other lenses because all I have beside this is my cheap 50mm and the garbage 75-300mm lens. The 50 is sharp enough for istock, and the 75 is a better paper weight than a lens. I am only saying this probably because I am not good at using it. Beyond that, I found the sharpness of the images well beyond what I am used to. There was no visible color noise, no jaggies, nothing at first glance. I have a shoot tomorrow so I will put it through its paces to give a better review on those points. As far as the weight, I am now feeling the weight of a quality glass. The front of the camera now pulls forward, similar to what the 75 would do to me except a bit heavier. I do not mind heaviness, its not really an issue, its just something I noticed coming from the plastic make of the 50mm. I figured putting a battery pack will even the weight out a bit and cause less wrist rotation but a bit more weight. This is fine. I get the impression that some photographers are shy of the bowl look of how macro lenses shoot. I personally love that the 17mm crops somewhere near 28mm. Made my cats head look really big and his body small! You are experiencing the excitement of new ideas with a leap in technology. Of course, buying is only balanced with making, and this equipment will benefit me during my wedding shoot in September.
So comes my question that has nothing to do with this lens. I had seen a review on some equipment in some magazine. Thats my issue. I not only forget the magazine that the review was in, but also, most importantly forget the company that made this item. I will describe it as best I can.
It was an outside, portable lighting kit that used 100% natural lighting. All the props were created for natural outside lighting use. It was for model photography, was portable, quite expensive if you bought the entire kit. I know this is not very helpful, but after months of looking, I have found nothing. Or wait, I did, sunbounce products, but thats not it. Thanks for any help!
I normally don't use blogs to rant and rave about things I think about outside of photography. My experiences with people online are pretty bad and I guess my audiences in the past have not been so respectful. I figured this VOX audience, specifically the commoners to my blog have a much much higher mental capacity and understand that I am a good person and my ideas are just that. When I posted my one image of the gun with the boys, I wont even begin to tell you what names I was called. But anyway...
I was reading an article here and found I got a bit frustrated as I always do reading this stuff. Before I dive into the details of the article, let me explain a bit about this site.
I am a strong believer in speech freedom and expression freedom. Its the two things a lot of people don't appreciate (like myself) until its gone. Understandably, the military stripes you of these rights to protect its mission and its force. I can not just go around speaking crap about the military and can not wear any clothing I wish or be outside which that the army tells me to be. I am fine with this and agree with it cold heartedly. But I like those freedoms and I personally can not wait until I am free of that restriction and speak and do what I want.
Sites like the link above, called LiveLeak.com exist to protect and fill the void of speech freedom. The site is host of many of the worlds worse videos that have surfaced on the news. Remember the little girl who was on drugs in the car with her sisters and mother. Other sites had tore it down in a fit of rage and it never got anywhere. Live Leak was the only site to keep on hosting this video and it hit the news. With that, the people were caught and who knows what had happened from there. The site also gets bashed a lot for hosting videos that are created for what critics say are attempts in popularity on such video hosting sites. The little girl video was looked at by many psychologist professionals, and they say that the reason for such videos is for the ePopularity. So while some say these videos would not exist without their audience, others say they do and sites like this exist to show the world what the reality of life is.
So this article above explains how there are now laws being looked at about teachers who are getting pranks done to them in videos should be allowed on sites. If not and the sites allow them, than the site will not be allowed to be viewed by the opposing authorities country or what not. The article says that the videos are being made solely for popularity online and that teachers are being abused because of this reason. But lemme go back when I was in high school when video pranks was not a big thing. I had an English teacher who was verbally abused and disrespected every single day. Although she wasn't the best teacher, what was said to her was way above what I was used to. I was raised in an environment of respect and my schools I had gone to prior all had respecting teachers and students. This school was by far the worse student body ever. But oddly enough, the students were amazing nice to each other. So much so, that there were no groups or cliques. What did I make of this? It was anarchy. The students ran the show and the staff was secondary. I seen a kid get punched out right behind the principle of the school and the principle did not flinch! I couldn't believe it. The point is, these videos have duel meaning. The abuse on teachers is unacceptable and should be addressed. But is hiding videos of its existence going to help? The issue (at least in my small case) was still in existence and I believe without video, it will still thrive.
Again, LiveLeak will continue to post these videos and I would not be surprised that you see more videos on the controlled news popping up and the host of it will be LiveLeak. I enjoy the idea that sites like this expose the truth of humanity, because all to often we like to do the "sweep under the carpet" technique to life. Lets hide the issue from our own views thus it does not exist in our lives. I think, (connecting the photography idea to this) that being part of this web 2.0 movement of controlling media and such, that I as a photographer will create things that people will or will not like. I will take pictures of what other people try to avoid. Ideas and concepts not normally shown in society. It does exist, it always will, if we allow it to by avoiding it. OK I feel better!
Before I get into explaining the title, lets talk photo. Although the title relates to photo, has nothing to do with me. I met with my clients, who are also friends of mine and we talked business. Based on some advice that was given to me, specifically Diana and MaryQContrary, I devised my own package. This is what I am offering:
The guest will have the option to purchase this:1 - 11x14 framed
3 - 8x10's
30 - 5x7s
1 - Hard cover book w/disc of images at smaller size
1 - Movie on a disc (if they want video and if my video person can come through).
The above packages will have the disc glued to the inside of the book.1 - 8x10
1 - Hard cover smaller book w/disc of images at smaller size
I also bought this lens from that site as well. I noticed they had one for sale that they used for renting and it was about $120 cheaper than a brand new version. Its rated BH quality of 9.5/10. I noticed a 9/10 on BH going for $40 more. I have a 3 day no questions asked return policy if I find that they were not perfectly clear on their idea of used. I am watching a few eBay auctions on a battery pack (I dont want anything not made by canon, learned my lesson with sigma). Based on everyones help with weddings, I figured that if I can not purchase another camera, I might as well make myself as safe as possible with enough battery power. I will borrow a friends Canon XTi as a backup.
As for the details of what is going to be done during the wedding, its pretty standard procedure. One thing I try not to do is look at what the competition is doing. I like to do things in a way that makes me feel good. My goal is to be hired as less of a photographer and more as an over all artist. I told the couple that they will have little to no choice on what they will be receiving as photos and how everything looks. I have worked my bunns off as not only a photographer, but a visual communicator and artist so I think I have a good footing to what will be done. If they have an idea, they can share it by all means.
As for the the title, I got bored one day and googled FUCK. First site (besides wiki) was this site: FUCK this website. Because I like this type of humor and like how the users specifically say the stickers do not damage property, the entire idea starts to become understandable.
I have always had an interest in making the mundane items in life become alive. For my photo project in college, I did the day in the life of a chair. I basically made a murder story with a chair. I had a deep concept and my professor loved it a lot. I obviously got an A, but I find that type of stuff fun and enjoyable.
This site takes the average signs we see every day, and forces you to read them once or twice more. You may be offended or you may laugh your ass off. Either way you payed attention to what was there for a few seconds. Whether it was their goal is not the issue. It forces you to get out of the robotic mind set and go, wtf does that say!
As a result, I will be purchasing their "FUCK this book" book eventually. Its a very good price and if you buy from their site, you get a signed and numbered copy. What that means, I am not sure but for $20, its a steal for a unique and good laugh.
So thats the news. Thanks for reading!
Ok my very knowledgeable photographers. I come to you all for some more advice. The photo business is picking up respectively and now I am at a point where I am going to be able to invest in a good piece of glass and some other equipment. I will tell you my needs and see what comes of it
I am using a Canon 30D with a 1.6x crop. Please keep this in mind
I will be doing primarily portraiture and as the title states, I have a wedding coming up
I want to invest in a very nice piece of glass. I would like to get an L series.
I also was considering a 580 hot shoe flash for the wedding and general purpose photography. This could also help with my new venture in editorial photography. If anyone has a good success story with a piece of glass or equipment, please inform me.
Also, if anyone has any tips regarding wedding photography, please feel free to spill your knowledge. I love to hear everyones justified input and criticisms. Which also reminds me, if I ask for your opinions on VOX, please give me YOUR opinion and not the one that makes me feel good. Just as long as there is a mature tone to what you have to say, I want to hear exactly how you feel. None of this I hate it stuff, just pure progressive criticism. Thanks!
Here they are, two images that best represent the maternity shoot I did the other day. It was a first for me and will not be the last. We plan on doing a series of the three, six and nine month marks. This obviously is the three month mark. Although, this image doesn't quite grasp the pregnancy idea, the three of the image as a group will be more understandable. For now, here is this one.
Connecting to my previous blog, I have noticed a few things that needs to be fixed as far as planning, shooting and processing. For planning, I found it kind of hard to tell the model what I wanted without directly showing what I wanted. She was not nude under the cloth, she was wearing underwear. This posed an issue where I wanted to make the cloth a certain way and didn't feel comfortable actually grabbing. We are good friends so it was a bit easier, in the future with someone I may not know, it may be more difficult.
I found that although my light setup is decent, I need to make a mental note to start to expose more of the image. While shooting, I felt the images were to bright on camera. Now processing them, they are to dark. This is creating an issue with certain colors of the image getting blown out as I push toward a brighter space. Its not as extreme, but its there. I also found that not having studio space is really affecting me. Actually, lacking tons of equipment is affecting me. My lens, a good 50mm cheap lens, is starting to not want to focus. Once in a while it will just go wacky and not even focus. Other times it will focus and as I try to take the picture, it wont shoot. Its kind of hard to promote myself as a photographer and lack a diverse collection of equipment.
Processing , as you may already know from the previous blog, has shown an issue. Color management has now started to show its ugly face and its time to attack it. Many of you offered great advice to get me through my processing of these images and that I thank you. Now its time to grab color management by the horns and take control of it. I want to know everything there is about it and make color management a tool and not a disruption.
All in all, this shoot proved to be a great experience. I haven't done much of my own work for about three months so its good to not only get back into it, but to see that I have improved from my crazy studies since the last. Also, the other images are also the same model after we got done doing maternity. We don't just do what we came for, we like to have fun. The very last image is a fun shoot I did with my fiancee last night. Enjoy!
Hello my fellow photographers and voxers. I am in a bit of trouble when it comes to color management. I have long put it off for another time to figure it out and now is the time. I recently did my first Maternity shoot with a friend from school. The images are beautiful and we had a great time doing the shoot. Going with the way I work, we did stray from Maternity once we did our shots and did some fun work as we normally do.
As I sit here with all three of my power house programs open, I have found a bit of an issue with communication between my programs.
When I use Lightroom and Bridge, I get the colors in the image to a point where I am very satisfied. The clarity, the color, everything is beautiful, the way I like it. Once I bring it over to Photoshop CS3, thats where my troubles start. I know it may have something to do with what assignment of color profile my image contains. I am pretty sure in Lightroom and Bridge, the standard way of conversion is Adobe RGB. The reason I think this is when I bring my doc over to CS3 and assign adobe rgb to the doc, it looks just like it does in the other two programs. I am using Huey by pantone for calibration of my screen. The device works beautifully but i think it may be aiding in my issues. When I save my document with adobe rgb applied and view it in windows, the color looks a bit off from how I created it. When I apply huey profile to it, it has its own look as well.
What I think needs to be done is total conversion of all programs to huey so that they all see the same thing throughout the workflow. When I save the docs, I am guessing the jpeg version will look the same as the PSD version. How i tell Lightroom and bridge to use huey as its workspace, this I do not know.
I am currently getting lynda.com color managment tutorials to finally end this once and for all. In the mean time of it downloading, if anyone here can give me some sound advice, or maybe a hug, that will do! The last time I felt this way was when I was trying to figure out wtf dpi meant and why I should not freak out if I download a 72dpi image. Now that I understand DPI, I can walk through life with a smile. Color management is my next big step. Thanks.
