In photography a texture image or "texturing" is used to enhance or accent some part of the image in your digital darkroom. Although they can help you create eye-catching works of art, textures also can be very easy to overdo. In this article I'll explain my process for adding textures to my photography using Adobe Stock and Photoshop to create more impact, transform the mood of the image, or improve the composition. Origins Using textures originated in the days of film by using different techniques in the darkroom. Methods included … [Read more...] about How to Enhance Your Photos With Textures – Part 1: Adding Textures
fine art
Photographer of the Day: Nic Taylor
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 FE" by Nic Taylor Titled simply "Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 FE", this is one of a series of images Nic Taylor posted to the Photofocus flickr page. The brilliantly colored grid of umbrellas hanging against a drab sky grab both your eye and imagination. While it could have easily become too structured in this grid, this is balanced by capturing a portion of this street art display where the colors were randomly scattered. For what he labeled as simply a test shot, he has captured a … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Nic Taylor
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
History of Photography: Oscar Rejlander
The battle for photography's place in the fine art world is a road that is long and seemingly never ending at times, even today. In the 1800's especially, photography struggled for a place at the table and one man, in particular, pushed the envelope: Oscar Gustave Rejlander. During the Victorian Era, photographic standards of art were mostly based on comparisons to painting. In other words, the photo had to look real, but not too real. Many photographers chose to use sub standard lenses, smudge the lenses or plates, and even introduce camera … [Read more...] about History of Photography: Oscar Rejlander
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
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
Using Adobe Portfolio for a Second Portfolio
Like many photographers, I have a website that I've put a lot of time into, and that has some e-commerce and blogging features. But one thing I don't have is a side portfolio to showcase my non-client related work. For me, Adobe Portfolio made clear sense to fill this role, especially because it was included in my Creative Cloud membership. What's in My Personal Portfolio As a professional photographer, I typically work with companies in my area to photograph events or to help them with new marketing images. But in my free time, I love to … [Read more...] about Using Adobe Portfolio for a Second Portfolio
Reason Number 172,360 Why Photographers Should Make Prints
Over and over throughout my time here at Photofocus, in various forms, and in various ways, I’ve expressed my deeply held opinion that photographers should print. Making a print is the final leg of a photographic journey that may start with nothing more than an idea or even a dream. This journey includes time spent acquiring gear and more importantly, learning how to use it. Then a subject comes to mind or a scene or a setting. Travel may be involved along with planning and strategy. The moment of capture may require multiple tries (as it did … [Read more...] about Reason Number 172,360 Why Photographers Should Make Prints
Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, 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 5/16 at 6:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Central, 4:00 pm Mountain, and 3:00 am Pacific. 7:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Crafting … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Crafting Fine Art Black and White Portraits with Mykii Liu
3 Easy Ways to Use the Rule of Thirds
You’ve probably heard of the Rule of Thirds—I learned about it in middle school art classes, and art history in college. It’s a terrific tool for guiding composition in your pictures. Formulaic use of the Rule of Thirds can take you a long way toward making better pictures, and will help you discover better compositions on your own. It’s so universal that Lightroom and most other photo editors include an overlay in the cropping tool. But how do we use the Rule of Thirds when we're shooting? Following are some ideas for how I use it to help me … [Read more...] about 3 Easy Ways to Use the Rule of Thirds
Instant Replay: Lightroom’s Print Module with Kevin Ames
You may have noticed that there's more to Lightroom than the Library and Develop Modules--there's also a Print Module, and it's incredibly awesome. Special guest Kevin Ames is going to reveal the secret powers of the Print Module and you'll find that it's really great for much more than making prints. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/IsmIa1KXTPk?t=5m12s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom’s Print Module with Kevin Ames
Adobe Paint Can App Review
Richard Harrington recently shared a picture on social media that looked like a painting, and in the corner it read, "Created with Adobe Paint Can." I immediately downloaded this free app from the Apple App Store. Although it's only for iPad and iPhone, if you go buy an iPad for the sole purpose of using this app, it would be worth it. I've always wanted to learn to paint, and I've used many of the painting apps available. The Oil Paint Filter in Photoshop CS6 was a favorite, and I'm glad Adobe brought it back in CC2015. Topaz Lab's … [Read more...] about Adobe Paint Can App Review
Offbeat with Joel Robison
It's not every day that a person's work transports one to another time or place. Rarer still is the photo that makes one feel like they are peeking in on another, magical world; so it is with the photography of Joel Robison. I discovered Joel's work a few years ago on Instagram and I've been an avid fan ever since. Let's get to know him a bit better. Aside from the mechanics of photography (e.g. the exposure triangle, framing and composition), what one piece of advice would you give a person picking up the camera for the first time to … [Read more...] about Offbeat with Joel Robison
Being Prepared Makes all the Difference
I love the Boy Scout motto of Be Prepared. As a photographer that often means carrying extra batteries, a spare camera, and an extra memory card. But also knowing the location, and what conditions you'll be working under. Practice Ahead of Time We just recently moved into a house with a pool, and I have been eager to shoot in it. I was asked if we could hold a baptism celebration in our pool. It is winter here in San Diego, and the pool temperature has been hovering around 55 degrees. Too cold for daily practice. Underwater photography has a … [Read more...] about Being Prepared Makes all the Difference
Photo of the Day: VitraHaus
Category: Architecture Photograph: VitraHaus, by Kay Gaensler. Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community, right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: VitraHaus
Shooting Personal Projects
A great way to challenge yourself and enhance your skills is to shoot some personal projects. Here is an opportunity to stretch your imagination. Building sets, buying props, coordinating wardrobe, scouting locations and casting talent are all part of the process of shooting your personal projects. When you apply all these things, your ideas will come to life. I'll get an idea visually, and then I need to make it happen. Like this 30's Hollywood glamour shot:Once I cast the beautiful actress, Sarah Deakins, I needed to get hair and make-up. … [Read more...] about Shooting Personal Projects
Photo of the Day: Chicago Sunset
Category: Architecture Photograph: 3/365 Chicago Sunset, by Jeremy VanderMeer. Originally shared on the Photofocus Flickr community, right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Chicago Sunset
Five Tips on Photographing a Model in a Hotel Room (NSFW)
I've been following former Sports Illustrated / HBO photographer Anthony Nestes' transition from sports and entertainment to fashion and glamour photography. He has a unique way of adding simple elements to a scene to help bring the image to life. I took a day trip to Anthony's home in Flagler Beach, Florida, and spent the day asking him questions that resulted in this article "Five tips on photographing a model in a hotel room." Shooting this type of location has its challenges; but with Anthony's basic tips, you can achieve some very … [Read more...] about Five Tips on Photographing a Model in a Hotel Room (NSFW)
Photo of the Day: Brisbane by Night
Category: Architecture Photograph: Brisbane by Night - Brisbane, Australia by Murray Fox Originally shared on the Photofocus Google+ community, right here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Brisbane by Night
The Camera of the Moment | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about shooting Nikon cameras since 1973 and what his favorite camera has been. https://youtu.be/iUNJPbdakDA Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for … [Read more...] about The Camera of the Moment | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Overkill Cameras and the Right Camera for the Job | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about what he would consider an overkill camera, even if it's the right camera for the job. https://youtu.be/HXqh0IjHSLg Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot … [Read more...] about Overkill Cameras and the Right Camera for the Job | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Photographers – Want To Be An Artist? Have A Point Of View
Ive been studying this for a long time and Ive finally figured something out. The reason that so many photographers simply copy the style of the day (how many more wedding shots will I have to look at where the photographer is shooting into the sun so he can get the background to flare? How many?) is that being an artist is dangerous. Being an artist is hard. Being an artist is risky. Being an artist will open you up to merciless ridicule and online attacks. Its a fact. This is the lay of the land. Being an artist requires you to do the one … [Read more...] about Photographers – Want To Be An Artist? Have A Point Of View
Repairing an Old Lens | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about one of his most-favorite lenses being added back into his camera bag. https://youtu.be/PSSJreLYQgU Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for … [Read more...] about Repairing an Old Lens | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Photofocus Podcast October 5, 2015 — Robert Hall & Corey Barker
This week we catch up with two photo experts. First up is Robert Hall who is a talented fine art and landscape photographer. Then we check in with Photoshop guru Corey Barker. Get the show here or get it on iTunes Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. Robert Hall Robert Hall is a Utah native who's been shooting photography for more than forty years. His work has won awards in competitions throughout the country and has been shown in museums and galleries in the United States and the Far East. Robert is well known for his … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast October 5, 2015 — Robert Hall & Corey Barker
The Essential Kit | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about his essential camera kit built out with Nikon gear. https://youtu.be/XzV1NFmBAT8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for TIME, Newsweek, … [Read more...] about The Essential Kit | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Nikon D810 vs D800 | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about his decision to upgrade from the Nikon D800 to the D810 and how the D810 benefits flash shooters. https://youtu.be/7QrVxWnuz-8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He … [Read more...] about Nikon D810 vs D800 | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Work vs Personal Cameras | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com talk with commercial photographer Joe McNally about his choice of camera for both commercial jobs and personal work. https://youtu.be/TfZuXRW_kZQ Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Joe McNally Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in over 50 countries. He has shot cover stories for TIME, … [Read more...] about Work vs Personal Cameras | Joe McNally – What’s in Your Bag
Photoshop Luminance Masks
Editor's Note: Don't miss this week's free event on when to jump from Lightroom to Photoshop. Photoshop Luminance Masks are a great way to edit an image targeting just the areas you want. These masks aren't solid black and whites but mirror the luminance values of a channel or channels. Lets jump into Photoshop and see how its done; For this post Im using the image The Bride by anastasiyaand at Fotolia. Accessing Channels Using the Photoshop Workspace of Essentials or Photography you'll find Channels grouped with the Layers and Paths panels. … [Read more...] about Photoshop Luminance Masks
