Seniors . . .What To Wear????

When it comes time to plan what you're going to wear for your senior photo session, don't forget to bring something fun and colorful.  Why not think about one of your great prom dresses.  It just screams fun and opens door for some great photo opportunities.  You can dance, twirl, be a diva, or add something unexpected like a pair or boots or tennis shoes for a little twist . . .  you get the idea!  Then think about adding a great border treatment to some of your photos like swirls, photo edges, old negative edges and a variety of grungy effects to really make them one of a kind!  

Senior Photo Sessions

Each senior photo session is custom tailored to fit and showcase your personality and style.  I use creative poses to highlight your interests, hobbies and extra-curricular activities like sports or band, and much more.  Sessions are scheduled so you are not rushed and have plenty of time . . . You can even include your best friend or a pet in a few photos.  Your online proof album can also be linked to your facebook page so you can share with family and friends.

• Flexible packages to fit your needs
• All packages include indoor and outdoor portraits
• Ala Carte ordering so you buy just the prints, products and amounts you want
• Free image for your social networking site
• Free yearbook image
• Custom invitations and announcements
• Custom hardcover memory books with a variety of sizes, colors and covers
• On line proof album to share with family and friends

So, what are you waiting for?  Send me an e-mail or contact me on facebook if you have any questions or would like to plan your session.  To view more senior session click here.

Lighting and Props

My beautiful grandaughter agreed to pose for me and we worked on some lighting styles, camera settings and studio props.  She has grown up around her grandmothers camera so you can see at age 10 she's quite comfortable in front of the camera.  I love how my old painted picture frame turned out and I noticed that it gives the person holding it a little attitudue which can be fun.  The hair pieces my grandaughter selected from my collection of props and they made for some fun photographs.  Good job Brooke, thanks for you help!  Follow this link to see more photos from this session.  

Digital Processing

Black and White 

Photographers spend a lot of time learning how to process digital images after they have been captured in order to achieve a certain look.  Having shot on film for years and having had a darkroom gave me some insight  into the process when I turned to digital work.  Lately I have been working on some black and white prints and some thoughts came to mind.

Today I see so many digital black and white prints or images that are flat and lack good tonal range and contrast.  Most photographers just use the black and white camera mode or desaturate a color photograph in post processing but that simply doesn't represent a good black and white.  A good black and white begins with a color image and is processed using the individual RGB (red, green and blue) color channels in post processing, then contrast is adjusted to maintain the highlights.

Below is and example of how to identify a flat, dull black and white digital image.  The image on the left is dull with gray skin tones and flat blacks.  I prefer the image on the right as it has light creamy skin tones and rich dark blacks with a higher contrast ratio.         

This is a good example of a nice black and white, gray skin tones just wouldn't work with this image or capture the dynamic lighting I used for this portrait. 

Grain or noise doesn't look good with color images but it can add interest with black and whites.

Years ago I used Marshall's Oil Colors and a paint brush with cotton swabs to hand color my black and white prints. Today with digital you work with a layer mask and allow selected areas of color to show through to create the beautiful hand colored look like the image below.

Womans portraits look fresh and flattering with light creamy skin tones.  Dull gray skin tones tend to emphasize flaws and imprefections.      

Brynn Meets Lily

Brynn stopped by to visit with her Uncle Grant and Aunt Nora's new puppy Lily.  I had to bring out the camera to photograph the interaction between the two.  It looks like Lily will make a great new addition to the family.  I just loved Brynn's sandals with all the bling and I think Lily needs a collar with some bling!  Click here to see more photographs on my web site.

Corporate Portraits

It's been said "You never have a second chance to make a good first impression."

If your portrait is on your business card, web site, brochure, are used for social networking, chances are it is the first link between you and your next potential customer and the first impression people will have of you.   All professionals need to have at least one good portrait on hand for publications, speaking engagements, as well as a company website or facebook.  Your portrait can be further enhanced and personalized by including your workplace in the background.   This client needed a business portrait that was formal but still warm and friendly. I think  the pink color adds a softer touch to the formal suit and fits the type of business this client does.  

        

Just a White Dress

don't be nervous or hesitant

It's not about the state of dress or undress that makes an image sexy.  Lighting, props and accessories play an important role in creating your intimate images.  I worked with this client for a birthday boudoir session and we decided to start with this great white dress.  I brought along the gloves and she added some great accessories.  At first she wasn't so sure it represented boudoir but after seeing her photographs I think these are some of her favorites. The idea is to look incredibly sexy and alluring . . . it's more of an attitude or state of mind than the attire.  Don't be nervous or hesitant about scheduling a boudoir session . . . just be creative.  You can use jeans, t-shirts, evening gowns, a sexy robe, or even a man's favorite shirt, then add some fun accessories!   Click here for more photos from this session.
  

Studio Backgounds and Props

I love unusual props and backgrounds, I think they can make your photograph stand out as something different or bring a certain mood to a portrait.  I shop at lttle boutique shops for unusual props such as vintage clothing, hats, gloves  and furniture.  I have always wanted to use this folding screen as a background and decided to give it a coat of paint.  I painted a freehand design on the back of the screen using a brown paint accented with metalic gold.  I plan to add a glazed effect to the front and give it an aged look that I think will look great in Boudoir Photography.  I also added a silver nickel finish to an old frame that I had laying around that I think will be fun to use.  Watch for more posts on some of the interesting props I have collected and how I use them.