Category: Sports Photograph: by Greg Sims Originally shared on the Photofocus . A great sports photo not only captures the action, but also shows the focus of the athlete. Greg's motocross photo is perfectly lit, with a little blur showing the motion of the tires. I love that you can look into the helmet and see how focused the athlete is. The orange uniform contrasts nicely with the dramatic blue clouds in the background, and the sun flare tops off a great image. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Sports
Greg Sims
Meet Photofocus Contributor: Greg Sims
Some artists are born with a beautiful artistic eye, and others are very knowledgeable in the techniques of photography. This particular photographer possesses both characteristics and we are more than thrilled to have Greg Sims a regular author and contributor on Photofocus. Greg Sims was born and raised in the dynamic beach culture of Southern California. From an early age, Sims was heavily influenced visually by Hollywood cinema, beach life and the incredible visual carnival of So.Cal. Once considering himself a photographic purist Sims … [Read more...] about Meet Photofocus Contributor: Greg Sims
Removing Color Casts
I want to share this really great way of removing a color cast from your images. This can be pretty tricky especially with portraits. You know, when your subject's skin has that weird color cast you can't seem to correct. It can turn into a pretty daunting process working with selective color or color balance palettes. It seems one adjustment always affects something else and many times you don't really get what you want. Skin tone is tricky, so, if you end up with a color cast you want to neutralize here is a great way to achieve … [Read more...] about Removing Color Casts
The Beauty of Available Light
I spend a lot of time working with strobes. As a commercial advertising photographer I find myself in many situations requiring some pretty complex lighting solutions. Don't get me wrong, strobes are super groovy and lighting challenges are always relished but there is something really magical about shedding the hardware. Every once in a while I enjoy shooting with just a light meter, camera, a card and available light. No computers, strobes, cords, flags, stands or radio syncs. I was recently contacted by Jennifer Ludington, owner of … [Read more...] about The Beauty of Available Light
Non-Destructive Stamping (Cloning)
As a commercial advertising photographer that specializes in composites, I am continually developing my skill set to allow for easy unlimited tweaking of the images I create.When developing complex visual ideas with many layers, that most of the time, need to fit into a variety of formats, non-destructive techniques are essential. Composites offer a tremendous opportunity for collaboration with your clients. Because most important elements are created separately, your clients can take an active role in the final layout, mood and message of … [Read more...] about Non-Destructive Stamping (Cloning)
Living in The Unknown
I love the mindset that Ansel Adams lived by in his professional career. He was a true pioneer of photography as art. Being a forward thinking innovator, he endlessly explored the world of the unknown, seeking to predict and understand the outcome of his experimentation. Then taking that information and creating a set of guidelines that allowed all that practiced those guidelines to push their art forward. He often said the most valuable tool in his darkroom was his trash can. I like to think of this process as Failing Up. It is the idea … [Read more...] about Living in The Unknown
Replacing Bad Skies in Post
We all have tons of images that could be so much more compelling if it weren't for that blasted dull sky. You know that giant gray nothingness that seems to suck the power right out of your masterpiece. In my view, an awesome sky can totally change the mood, feel and drama of a landscape image. It is a huge component of the final composites I create for clients. I will be the first to admit that clipping skies can be a tedious drag. I have, to some degree, made peace with it taking the Zen approach, The journey is the adventure, enjoy every … [Read more...] about Replacing Bad Skies in Post
The Practice of Pre-Visualization
As far as I know the great Ansel Adams coined the idea of pre-visualization. In its basic form, it is the idea of visualizing the final image at the moment you are clicking the shutter. Ansel mastered this practice to epic levels. He is legendary for taking copious notes about the exposure and scene and then applying his complex development and printing techniques to achieve the image he carried around in his head. His mastering of the Zone System is the result of this practice. Today we have many tools available to us to create and tweak … [Read more...] about The Practice of Pre-Visualization
The Massive Power of Composites
I truly believe that the demand for composited images has only begun to emerge in our industry. From a purely conceptual standpoint, composites offer our clients the unprecedented ability to create images that would be too costly or just plain impossible to create any other way. Compositing allows (you) the creator/artist and your clients (the cool guys with the awesome project and moola) to collaborate at the highest levels of creation. Having the ability to infinitely control each element in size, color, position, luminosity, etc. blows … [Read more...] about The Massive Power of Composites
Never Underestimate the Power of Posting
In my opinion, it has never been a better time to be a creative image maker. Not only are the tools for creation becoming more sophisticated and plentiful, but the opportunity to post, share and have your work noticed has never been easier. I am a huge advocate of social media of all kinds. I was an early adopter and I love it all. I embrace much of that landscape and am an active participant on many sites and platforms. Case in point. I recently joined 500px.com, which is a fantastic site full of amazing images created by immensely … [Read more...] about Never Underestimate the Power of Posting
