Photofocus

Education and inspiration for visual storytellers

Michèle Grenier

Michele has developed a distinctive expertise as a sports portrait photographer. Specializing in commercial, event and advertising photography, she help companies and professionals in the industry to stand out and showcase their products and services with striking, high-quality images. She has created portraits of dozens of national and international athletes in more than twenty disciplines and realized numerous projects with major sports-related organizations and events such as Atlas Project, Lululemon, LYFT-RX and XPN World. See her portfolio: www.michelegrenierphoto.com

Latest posts by Michèle Grenier (see all)

Single image HDR: The sundae technique

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If you're just like me, you don't walk around your photoshoots with a tripod and don't (or can't) take multiple images to create a bracketed HDR. Well, good news my friends, we don't have to do it anymore either! Today, I'm showing how to create kick-ass HDR with single images (while having a little fun on the way). Ready? To your spoons everyone! HDR editing was originally created by merging multiple images to obtain maximum details from the expanded dynamic range. You know the technique: An underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed … [Read more...] about Single image HDR: The sundae technique

How I boost shadows and recover details in my images

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When I shoot events, I rarely have great (let alone perfect) lighting. That's why I had to find an efficient way to edit my photos that could get the most out of my RAW files. Here's one of my favorite technique to boost shadows, recover details in highlights and bring my very own style to my images. My secret weapon: Aurora HDR 2019 When I am in very difficult lighting conditions — be it bright sunlight or harsh indoors light — I have to get over it and do my job anyway. I know I'll have to deal with it later in post-production but that … [Read more...] about How I boost shadows and recover details in my images

I got my new Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens … and it’s incredible!

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I preordered the much-anticipated lens a month and a half ago and finally got it last week. I was pretty excited since I had two very big sports events to cover, it was the perfect timing to put this baby to work! Here's my review on Sony's latest prime telephoto lens: The 135mm f/1.8 GMaster. Why did I buy this lens in the first place? Some of you might ask themselves why would someone buy a rather expensive prime telephoto lens when you can have a 70-200mm f/2.8 for a $700 difference. Well, first of all, if you don't know it yet: I'm a … [Read more...] about I got my new Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens … and it’s incredible!

I did it … I switched to mirrorless!

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Yes, I said it!!! I sold my DSLRs and bought a brand new, out of the box, mirrorless camera body. Here is the last of my "DSLR to mirrorless" journey articles with (of course!) the big announcement of who between the Olympus OM-D E-M1X or the Sony a9 stole my heart! A Tinder-like adventure I like to compare my mirrorless quest to a Tinder match. First step: You look at the picture. Yeah, nice lookin'! Step two: Let's learn a little more about you. Then, you transform yourself into a detective that even the CIA couldn't match by first stalking … [Read more...] about I did it … I switched to mirrorless!

Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? The final round

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I've now been playing around with the Sony a9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1X for a few weeks and gotten to know them quite a bit better. I shot sports photographs in all kinds of lighting conditions (the good, the bad and the really crappy ones). This article sums up my experience with both cameras and my opinion on their performance. All men are not created equal. Neither are cameras. Each and every individual has something unique to bring to the table. There's no "one-size-fits-all" magic recipe. I am not looking for THE ultimate perfect … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? The final round

Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X

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As I already mentioned in my very first article, that I am looking at upgrading my photography gear (my two Nikon D750 cameras). As this is a pretty expensive move, I am currently trying both the Sony a9 and Olympus OM-D E-M1X to see which one would best fit my sports photography needs. Now's the time to experiment with the new top-of-the-line micro four-thirds camera — the E-M1X. What I am looking for in my new partner I have specific needs regarding my sports photography. Above all, I need high ISO capabilities and great autofocus. Good … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Sony a9

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As you might already know, I am seriously thinking about changing my DSLR gear in favor of mirrorless. Because it would require a very important investment — perhaps one of the biggest I could make as a photographer — I want to feel 100% confident about my decision. For review purposes, I've been loaned two camera bodies: The new micro four-thirds Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the full-frame Sony a9. This article reviews my first photoshoot experience with the latter. Our first date Cloudy sky, soft light coming through the window, this was the … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? My first photoshoot experience with the Sony a9

Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? First hands-on with the Sony a9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1X

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This article follows "Are you considering switching your DSLR to mirrorless? I am." I just got two mirrorless bodies a couple of days ago. One from Sony and the other from Olympus. It's my first true mirrorless experience — I've been a Nikon user since the day I started doing photography. All the equipment that has been sent is loaned and I am not being paid for this review — it's important for me to mention that. My goal is to share my thoughts on my personal experience and highlight the strengths of both systems. I know conversations can get … [Read more...] about Will I switch from DSLR to Mirrorless? First hands-on with the Sony a9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Are you considering switching your DSLR to a mirrorless? I am

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I've been using DSLRs from the day I started doing photography. But frankly, with the growing quality of the Mirrorless market, I feel quite tempted to do the big jump ... Still, will spending my hard earned money really be worth it? Today I'm sharing my thoughts, hopes and concerns about completely switching my photography gear. Once upon a time ... Not so long ago, I remember living a happy and fulfilled life, taking pictures in the gyms with my two DSLRs, never second guessing my cameras or lenses. They were doing what I expected from … [Read more...] about Are you considering switching your DSLR to a mirrorless? I am

How to attract and keep more clients

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Being a photographer obviously implies taking pictures. But being a photographer also requires many other skills in order to be successful. Some of those skills are not about photography. They make a huge difference between a struggling business and a thriving one. Here are the ones I use to grow my photographic business. Surprising facts that are NOT about your photography skills We've all seen great photographers with amazing creativity having a hard time getting contracts. On the opposite side, we've also seen very "average" photographers … [Read more...] about How to attract and keep more clients

5 tips to use NOW to reach your goals faster

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I made a point in 2019 to take control of my business. I had a great 2018 but I know I can do more — and do better — to reach a higher level of success. Whether it is for your professional life too or for your personal one, these next five tips will help you reach your goals faster, and in a very satisfying way! 1) Have a clear goal in mind If it’s money-related, write how much money you want to have instead of "I want more money." For example, you could write "In February, I want to have an income of X amount." Writing "I want to lose … [Read more...] about 5 tips to use NOW to reach your goals faster

Tips to recover tough exposures

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Sometimes, even the best of us have to deal with underexposed images. Here is a comparison between three popular RAW developing software plus important tips to help us in our quest to recover tough exposure! Starting point Bad location or bad lighting can leave us with tough exposures to recover. Fortunately, RAW files can be modified and enhanced with good developing software. With so many of them available on the market, it isn't always easy to know which one suits best our needs. I got into the game and edited the same image with three … [Read more...] about Tips to recover tough exposures

Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part two

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The golden ratio or golden mean — have you already heard about it? It's a very popular composition rule in the photographic world. But did you know there is a golden ratio for a face's beauty as well? What are those ratios based on, and how do people look like with those perfect features? Here' what I found. I wrote part one of this series in a very serious vein. Now it's is time to have some fun. A revised and scientific procedure I must confess. I felt quite inaccurate once part one had been posted. I did my Photoshop transformation based … [Read more...] about Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part two

JPEG editing: from “oh …” to “OMG!” with Aurora HDR 2019

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Have you snapped some lower resolution images with your smartphone and you'd like to give them a little (make that BIG) kick to catch all the attention on social media? Here's a 2-minute trick to go from flat to fabulous. Whether you are an amateur or a pro photographer, we all end up taking pictures with our iPhone or Android at some point. It's always with us, always ready, even when we are not! Understand that I do personally prefer taking pictures with my camera when I plan to take some. Sometimes, however, wonderful and unexpected things … [Read more...] about JPEG editing: from “oh …” to “OMG!” with Aurora HDR 2019

Editing hundreds of images in minutes with Luminar’s batch processing

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Batch processing is a huge time saver in my editing workflow. It allows me to be more efficient and deliver images faster to my clients with the exact look, format and size I want. No doubt after reading this, you'll fall in love with this process too! What is batch processing? Batch processing is an automated action that allows us to apply a Look to multiple images in a single click. It's a tremendous and easy way to edit hundreds — thousands! — of images with the same unique and seamless look at once. Why do I use it? When I have hundreds … [Read more...] about Editing hundreds of images in minutes with Luminar’s batch processing

Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part one

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In the past, retouching a model's face or body for magazines covers or ads has often been a source of ethical debate. Now in 2019, it seems like reshaping one's features have become globally adopted in photographs as in real life. What led to such a shift? Beauty enhancing vs. quest for youth Nowadays, botox, implants and injections are not only coveted by aging men and women. I became even more aware of this trend when I watched this widely viewed video called "I Got Surgery to Look Like My Snapchat and Facetune Selfies." It had been online … [Read more...] about Reflections on beauty standards and photo editing, part one

Combo superpower: Using Luminar 3 and Aurora HDR 2019 together

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Whether it be for outdoor images or oppositely poorly lit indoor ones, combining the power of both Aurora and Luminar in my editing workflow helps me achieve looks that would otherwise be impossible to get. Here are two recent pictures example I did with two different lighting conditions. Example 1: The breezy sunrise Picture yourself: It's 6:30 in the morning and you are in the middle of a vast area surrounded, wind and snow and below zero temperature. The sun isn't up yet but a bunch of courageous athletes is already warming up to take on … [Read more...] about Combo superpower: Using Luminar 3 and Aurora HDR 2019 together

How to create realistic snow in Photoshop

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The problem with snow added in post-production is that it looks fake more often than not. That's a shame because creating realistic snow is much easier than people would think. Listen to the Canadian girl and keep on reading to know once and for all the secret to create realistic snow in Photoshop. What's wrong with fake snow? We've all seen pictures with snow. Some with real snow and some with dubious-white-copy-pasted-dots snow. Being a girl living in winter for half of the year, believe me, I know what snow should look like. If you want to … [Read more...] about How to create realistic snow in Photoshop

Four easy steps to kick-ass Luminar custom Looks

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Looking for a time-saving solution to your post-editing workflow? Here are some quick and easy tips to become more efficient while making sure you keep your personalized editing style by creating your own customized Luminar 3 Looks. What is a Look? A Look is a recorded set of filters, and it helps to edit images in a very fast and personalized way. A big advantage of Luminar's Looks is that they are still fully customizable once saved. Which means you can tweak them over and over again — you are not stuck with the base Look you've saved at … [Read more...] about Four easy steps to kick-ass Luminar custom Looks

Flipping my photography challenges into opportunities

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Have you ever had frustrating situations where you wondered how you'll ever overcome them? I have. Many times. And I got tired of it. I got tired of getting "No" as an answer and missing great opportunities. I decided to take control of my circumstances - instead of being a victim of it. As most of you may know by now, I do sports photography. I do commercial and advertising stuff and I also loooooove to cover events and competitions. As I offered my services to event organizers those past years, I realized that I often faced the same … [Read more...] about Flipping my photography challenges into opportunities

Timing the power — how to photograph Olympic Weightlifting

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I just got back from an amazing Olympic Weightlifting (O-lift) meet. Many athletes were competing to qualify for the upcoming nationals. Needless to say, it's been an intense and exciting event! O-lift is a very challenging discipline. It is challenging to photograph as well. Everything in a lift happens in literally a matter of moments. Timing is the key between making or missing a great shot. Here's exactly what I do to make mesmerizing pictures that the athletes and the event organizers are willing to pay for. Locating the camera In … [Read more...] about Timing the power — how to photograph Olympic Weightlifting

Creative lighting with Lume Cubes

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Now that my Lume Cube Photographer's Pack was unboxed, it was time for me to go in the field and give it a try! I got out from my comfort zone as I wanted to force myself to work in a different way than I was used to. What did I end up photographing and how did I like working with my new lighting system? Inspiration First, I needed to get some inspiration. As I really wanted to give all the attention to the Lume Cubes, I thought it could be a really cool idea to take the pictures in the dark. Then, I had to find a place I could make those … [Read more...] about Creative lighting with Lume Cubes

Unboxing my Lume Cube Photographer’s Pack

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It felt like early Christmas when I got my Lume Cube box delivery. The company guys sent multiple devices and accessories to try in order to see how I like them and for me to review. I've had one hands-on experience with these devices at the Photofocus Photowalk (at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City) but that's it. I have yet to discover almost everything about it. To become more familiar I am actually unboxing the Lume Cube and its accessories as I am writing this article. I thought I might as well bring you with me along the way so we could … [Read more...] about Unboxing my Lume Cube Photographer’s Pack

Fixing your white balance: The ultimate solution

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As I kept on playing with the Illuminati instruments incident and color light meter I'd been given a few weeks ago, I discovered that I love putting the color meter to the test. I am always in situations where colors in my camera can get a little crazy - whether I'm in a gym, outdoors or even in front of a white wall. In this article, I test different environments and lights, both with my camera's automatic white balance and the Illuminati's color meter. I also explain how to use the device to get a perfect read on color — every time. Unlike … [Read more...] about Fixing your white balance: The ultimate solution

Could this lens possibly become the best 70-200mm f/2.8 on the market?

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Sigma first unveiled their new series of lenses series at Photokina in Cologne, Germany last September. This new collection includes five new lenses to their three Global Vision product lines: Art, Sports and Contemporary. As a sports photographer, I was really intrigued by the announcement of their highly anticipated 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens. I made sure to stop by their booth at PhotoPlus Expo to get more information about this new high-performance telephoto lens. 10 exclusive low-dispersion glass elements What in the world is a … [Read more...] about Could this lens possibly become the best 70-200mm f/2.8 on the market?

How I use the new Aurora HDR 2019 for NON-landscape photography

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Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too! I don’t shoot landscapes (like, never, ever). So when the Skylum’s team asked us to give it a try on their Aurora HDR 2019 update, I wasn’t sure what I could write about. My amazing editor, Kevin, told me the articles didn’t have to be super long - and I just had to stay true to myself. So I thought about this big CrossFit event I covered a few days earlier. We were outdoors and the lighting conditions … [Read more...] about How I use the new Aurora HDR 2019 for NON-landscape photography

Evolving as a visual artist takes time, work and practice

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This week was a stepping stone for me. It was the third time I was covering the same annual CrossFit competition. Three years of hard work. Three years of experience. I thought it would be cool to do a recap of my three years of evolving as a visual artist in the sports field. I realize that lots of things have changed - and I'm not only talking about my cameras. 2016: Where it all began I remember when I got into photography. I started by taking pictures of everything. A walk in the park was an excuse to bring my camera and experiment … [Read more...] about Evolving as a visual artist takes time, work and practice

The Illuminati Meter: What is that?

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When Rudy Guttosch from Illuminati Instrument Corp sent me this intriguing device, I wasn't really sure how I was going to use it. I don't particularly enjoy having to bring extra stuff at photo shoots. Still, for the purpose of this article, I gave it a try and took it with me on location. Well, I have to admit it, I've been quite fascinated by all what my new buddy could do for me for less than 62 grams of weight. First things first: what is that Illuminati thing? The Illuminati light and colormeter does exactly what its name says it … [Read more...] about The Illuminati Meter: What is that?

Charging the right price: Why is it important?

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This article came to my mind a couple weeks ago, as I was approached by several event organizers. They likely were expecting my services for free and were almost hit by lightning when I educated them on the value of what they were asking for. That led me to one important question: Why some people believe that (our fair and right) prices are too high? I finally came up with an answer and found different ways to assert my services. Why do some people mistakenly believe that photographer's rates are too high? How many times have we seen on … [Read more...] about Charging the right price: Why is it important?

How to simply create powerful black & white images

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(Editor's note: Making photographs on an active railway is not only a flagrant violation of safety, it is also seriously illegal. Michèle Grenier, the author of this article, made the accompanying photographs on abandoned tracks. Read this post for more info.) Beautiful colored pictures catch attention. But sometimes, a beautiful colored image can look even more stunning if edited in black and white. Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the best pictures to convert and edit them properly to maximize your "WOW" effect! How to … [Read more...] about How to simply create powerful black & white images