One of the best experiences you'll have as a portraitist is making pictures with brand new babies. There truly is something special about working with someone so new and pure, and it's a big responsibility to be entrusted with the opportunity. It's really a once-in-a-lifetime shoot, so be ready and take it seriously. And remember that it's not a picture of baskets and props. What is your purpose? We love pictures of babies snuggled into a blanket or wrapped in a peapod costume, and we dream of making that kind of picture, too. Swaddling a … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: A note for newborns
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Portrait Tips: Does your picture have the sweetness?
“Unless some sweetness at the bottom lie, Who cares for all the crinkling of the pie?” This line is from William King's Poem, "The Art of Cookery," and it applies perfectly to portraiture. Today's tip is quick, and it includes the challenge that you should memorize this line of poetry — it'll broaden your horizons ;) Does your portrait emote? I take this line to mean that no matter how good a pie looks if it doesn't taste good then it's a failure. For you and me, that means that no matter how much hairspray you've used, no matter how … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Does your picture have the sweetness?
Stylizing images in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2019
I recently went out to the Muskegon Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in Muskegon, Mich. Sounds...smelly, right? Well, there was a reason for this — snowy owls are known to be spotted there. Last year, I went out with fellow Photofocus author Cathy Seaver to check them out, and we found about several of them during our time there. This year, we were excited to capture them again, especially with snow on the ground. However, we weren't that lucky this time around. Our search for snowy owls failed, but we did see some other great birds in … [Read more...] about Stylizing images in ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2019
Finishing color photos for perfect tones in black and white
Like many of you, I started photography learning to shoot and process black and white in high school. It was amazing to see a photograph materialize in the chemicals, and it was incredible how much detail I could see in the scenes. Back then I only shot 35mm Tri-X film, but the tones and contrasts were captivating. Now, using tone mapping on a single image I can get similar tones. The details Aurora HDR 2019 can reveal are incredible. I'll use this panorama from Montana to show demonstrate. I shot it with a 200mm lens on my Lumix … [Read more...] about Finishing color photos for perfect tones in black and white
How to use Luminar’s looks to be creative differently
If you subscribe to the Photofocus newsletter, then you just got an announcement about a huge pack of looks for Luminar that add all the looks from Skylum's wonderful Tonality plugin to Luminar. Tonality is a tool made especially for black and white finishing and it used to be my favorite black and white tool — now I use it in Luminar. This pack of looks gives you a whole bunch of options to instantly create various looks in your black and white photos. But why should you use looks? My question is, why would you want to use a look that makes … [Read more...] about How to use Luminar’s looks to be creative differently
Creating custom black-and-white effects with the on image tool in Photoshop
Photoshop offers a very compelling black and white adjustment layer. But to get the results that you want, you should take advantage of the on image tool. You learned about this tool earlier when we looked at curves. Well, let's see how it can actually work as well for black and white adjustments. Let's explore techniques to create black and white images with the on image tool. Now I've got two images here. One is the N state and one is a starting image that you'll work with. Now the N state just shows you how things came together. And it … [Read more...] about Creating custom black-and-white effects with the on image tool in Photoshop
Portrait Tips: Five keys for candids
Candid portraits are often the first type of portraits photographers learn to make, and they are probably the most often requested by clients. When you view a candid photograph, it feels like you truly see the subject being themselves. Here are five keys to help you consistently make great candid photographs. 1. Acclimatization You need to be known to always have your camera and always be making pictures. At first, it's obvious to anyone that sees you that you have a camera and they notice it everytime you lift it up. But after a short while, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Five keys for candids
How to simply create powerful black & white images
(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
Portrait Tips: A Layered Workflow for Retouching
Retouching the portraits you make can be a lot of fun, and it can be a lot of frustration. I realize that I've retouched thousands of portraits and one thing that makes it more fun than frustration is simply the way you go about it — the workflow. Let me show you how using layers in your retouching allows you freedom and creativity and reproducibility. I'll demonstrate using Luminar, but you can get similar results using any layered app. Basics Start by doing your basic tweaks — adjust the camera profile and white balance, which are in … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: A Layered Workflow for Retouching
How To: Use Colored Filters in Luminar 2018 for Black and White Portraits
There's a simple tool for making your black and white portraits look great with little or no retouching. It's called a color filter. We often retouch things like pimples and redness or uneven skin tones, and these things can take a lot of time on each portrait. But when you make black and whites, you can use a color filter tool to remove uneven skin tones and sculpt beautifully contrasty portraits at the same time. What's more, you can do it in the camera and with software like Luminar. In-Camera Black and White I often recommend setting your … [Read more...] about How To: Use Colored Filters in Luminar 2018 for Black and White Portraits
Portrait Tips: Cut the Rim Light
Making portraits with a rim light is awesome. It gives depth and punch and when you do it really well you'll notice that it looks more natural. Take a close look the next time you're having a conversation anyplace with windows and you'll probably see that the person you're talking with has a rim light illuminating their cheek from one side. That rim light will help you make a lot of people happy with their portraits (which helps you make a lot of money). You should always use a rim light. And you should always turn it off. Simplicity … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Cut the Rim Light
Quick Tip: Shooting On A Grey Day – Black and White
A comment on one of my recent articles got me to thinking that I need to write some tips on how to make good looking photos on a grey day. This is the second in a series of challenges to get out and shoot even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Think In Black and White Even on the best of days, it can be difficult to find the time or motivation to get out and shoot, compound that feeling with grey skies and the gloom can seem palpable. So, here’s my next assignment for you: The next grey day, go out thinking in black and white. You … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Shooting On A Grey Day – Black and White
Photographer of the Day: Paul Francis
Category: Street Photographer: Paul Francis Paul's photograph of a man walking in what appears to be an alley is somewhat mysterious — you can't really tell who the man is, what he's doing or anything else about him. It's a minimalist street scene, and one that leaves you wondering. The composition here is interesting, as the elements fade to black on the sides, and the rain-covered alley leads you up to the man. It breaks the rule of thirds, but does so in a very effective way. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Paul Francis
Portrait Tips: If You Know Your Tools You Can Relax
At weddings, you shoot portraits as quickly as possible so that your couples can spend as much time with their families as possible. I was an assistant shooter at this wedding with Lisa Robinson a while ago, and she set this portrait up and shot from one angle while I shot from another. It was a pleasure to work with her and see her processes. When I shot this, I was wishing I was in her position so I could crop out the bright spot at the bottom right corner. However, I also knew my tools well enough that I was confident I could salvage this … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: If You Know Your Tools You Can Relax
Lightroom Live: Monochromes For Winter With Jim Welninski
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, January 8th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Monochromes For Winter With Jim Welninski
Lightroom Live: Monochromes For Winter With Jim Welninski
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, January 8th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Monochromes For Winter With Jim Welninski
Photographer of the Day: Isengardt
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Mannequins " by Isengardt The power of photography is its ability to make us feel and imagine from nothing more than a two-dimensional collection of dots on a piece of paper or computer screen. "Mannequins", by Isengardt, definitely makes you feel something, the best word I have to describe it is "uncomfortable". This is a "rule breaker" image, and why it works so well. The mannequins have been transformed by the light and composition into something other than the typical figure of glamour we … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Isengardt
Photographer of the Day: Andrea Fucà
Category: Sports Photograph: Andrea Fucà "IMG_4811" This image of young boys playing soccer in Morocco, showcases Andrea's ability to capture street life when traveling. This could really fit into a number of categories — street photography and travel specifically. But the focus on the soccer ball sets this apart, and helps to show the energy that the boys have while playing. It's a great composition, showing the streets of the city in the foreground, and the large walls in the background. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Andrea Fucà
Photographer of the Day: Pamela Aminou Follow
Category: Sports Photograph: Pamela Aminou "Shallow waters" I love this shot by Pamela, mainly because of the simple, minimalist nature of it. The sailboats are clearly outlined, but there's a sense of calm amongst the image. I especially like the fact that Pamela was able to separate one boat from the rest, bringing further focus to the photograph. It's a beautiful capture of sailing at its finest. Originally shared with the Photofocus Flickr community right here. You can be the Photofocus Photographer of the Day. Here's how. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Pamela Aminou Follow
Photographer of the Day: Denis Malciu
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "1" by Denis Malciu The image "1" by Denis Malciu displays a perfect choice of composing in black and white, simplifying what could have otherwise been a very busy photo. As the crowd stands in rapt attention to the dancers' performance, they frame the dancers instead of competing with them. Imagine if instead this photo was presented in color. The dancers could have easily gotten lost against that sea of people and the variety of textures and colors they are wearing. Instead the photographer … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Denis Malciu
How To Maximize Color In Black & Whites with On1 Photo Raw 2018
Simplifying a photograph by making it in black and white allows you to create a completely different photograph, and it's really fun. Crafting your black and whites requires that you take control of the color. Colors converted to black and white are represented by tones--shades of black, white, and grey--and you can control these tones by altering the way the colors are interpreted. Let me show you how using colored filters lets you maximize the black and white tones in your photos. I'll use On1's brand new Photo RAW 2018 for this … [Read more...] about How To Maximize Color In Black & Whites with On1 Photo Raw 2018
Photographer of the Day: in the streets of vienna
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "lost in white" by in the streets of vienna Simplicity and symmetry are the first two things that grab my attention in the image "lost in white". The moment of the women in mid-stride is perfectly framed by the columns, her black outfit in stark contrast to the white building she walks past. One of the smallest details that adds life to the image is the raised foot and slight bit of motion blur. This creates the sense of movement in the image, bringing her and it to life, a beautiful example of a … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: in the streets of vienna
Photographer of the Day: Rafa Velazquez
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Amigos en Pedraza. Segovia. Spain" by Rafa Velazquez Even if you aren't fluent in Spanish, you probably know that "amigos" means friends. In this image by Rafa Velazquez, titled "Amigos en Pedraza", we see just that. Two young friends, hanging out, having fun together. The beauty of this image is it combines something we can all relate to, with a place we may not be familiar with. Framed in the archway, the light illuminates them just enough that we understand the scene, but leaves them in just … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Rafa Velazquez
Photographer of the Day: Edouard Ketterer
Category: Street Photography Photograph: L'homme du canal by Edouard Ketterer Minimalist photos are some of the most difficult to execute, but when done well, are some of my favorites. In Edouard Ketterer’s “L'homme du canal” we see the beauty of simplicity and geometry. There are only two triangles, the simplest of shapes in geometry. One person, one texture, and only black and white. But, it's the way these few simple elements have been woven together which creates an exceptional composition. The perfect balance and symmetry of two … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Edouard Ketterer
Photographer of the Day: Dean Holland
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Untitled by Dean Holland Dean Holland’s Untitled image is a great example of a “decisive moment”, as the man looks away from his phone to take in the scene before him. We all know how much technology affects our lives, so many of us seem glued to our smart phone screens instead of seeing the world around us. This ancient architecture had the power to pull him away from his phone for a moment, his engagement with the beauty of it makes you want to be there seeing it as well. The composition makes … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Dean Holland
Portrait Tips: Dramatic Light Made Simple
A simple and impactful way to make a portrait is to position your subject next to a window and in front of a dark background. With the proper exposure, your subject's face will stand out starkly against the dark background with dramatic light coming in from the side. This is probably my favorite kind of portrait. But there's one key that will either make the portrait striking or bland. The Shady Nose The thing that makes the picture look dramatic is the play of shadows and highlights across the face. See the highlight on the edge of the … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Dramatic Light Made Simple
Photographer of the Day: Jeff Clouet
Category: Street Photography Photograph: “Path to the Heavens” by Jeff Clouet Jeff Clouet’s image “Path to the Heavens” is a strong example of using leading lines and a vanishing point to convey both movement and depth in a scene. The bright light at the top of the escalator acts as the vanishing point, conjuring up imagery of the “light at the end of the tunnel” and other symbolic concepts. Meanwhile, it also leaves it up to the viewer to imagine what is there. The photographer's choices in where to place the lines in the scene result in … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Jeff Clouet
What Color Space Should You Use?
I spent some time with friends in Rochester, New York last week at a conference at Kodak Alaris. These friends have worked in the imaging industry for a long time and they deal with lots of pictures from lots of different kinds of photographers and they opened my eyes regarding color space, and I thought you might benefit as well. I'm by no means an expert on color space, but maybe I can help you understand it a little better. I'll give you some simple information, then some recommendations on what settings to use in your camera and … [Read more...] about What Color Space Should You Use?
Lightroom Live: Mastering Monochrome with Daniel Gregory
You gotta join us live for our next Lightroom Live, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, July 18th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check out the YouTube event here and it'll show your … [Read more...] about Lightroom Live: Mastering Monochrome with Daniel Gregory
Photographer of the Day: Pierre Pichot
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Exit" by Pierre Pichot Pierre's image "Exit" is a great example of using lines, light, and shapes to draw your eye to the vanishing point in a photo. I confess, I am rarely a fan of the "off-kilter" look of purposely tilted composition, but in this case it works beautifully. The "Exit" sign creates a story, repeated by a second sign and an unknown figure in the distance. But, the story is left up to the viewer's imagination, whether you see the figure as leaving or coming toward you. Either way it … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Pierre Pichot
