Photography is just the beginning……Post Processing doesn’t have an End

Just a little sample of what photography is all about and if you can imagine yourself shooting a wedding and having to post process photography into the 100′s.  I’d love to be able to hire an intern and have them do all of the post processing.  There is a huge amount of work after the event and to post processing a photograph can take 3-4 minutes for each photo  - times that by 800 photographs for a wedding.  You see where I’m going here?  Not only do we spend hours shooting your wedding photography, but we can spend several days in front of the computer making you look even more marvelous.  This is why photography is expensive!   A before and after version is shown just to give you an idea that photography doesn’t end when you click the shutter…..it’s a lot of work and there are many options available for post processing photography. The post processing can be very challenging and coming up with a workflow equally as hard.

Photography is an Art and a Destination

My photography passion is an everyday project.  The canvas you see is the art I bring to you in pictures.  The palette and brush strokes of my work will be  your beautiful memories in the making.  The work I create is something that truly keeps me going and looking to find that perfect shot.  You realize that this will never happen as the memories I create is what truly matters.  The laughter, tears, smiles and emotions  - an event that is priceless.    It is my passion and Your Dreams to Remember.

The Post Processing Techniques Continue in Lightroom 3

I know – You have heard it before………it’s all about what happens once you get that photograph.  It can be anything that you photograph, but most importantly, most of it happens after the shot.   I truly believe that if you are looking for a photographer that you do need to pay attention to their work.     You are getting married and want to save money; however, you spend your focus on the dress and the reception the location and everything else.  How does the photographer fit into this budget?   Some choose to “cut” that portion out of their funding and opt on wedding photography that may involve someone who likes photography but may not realize what he/she is getting involved in.  Trust me – I don’t expect you to know what camera and lenses are all about, however they are the workhorse behind the shot .  Once you have the photos, the creative front of processing is a huge part of being a photographer.     You might get lucky, if you decide  to use your uncle or a person that is interested in photography; however taking a great risk at the deliverables you will receive at the end.  Is it worth it?   Check out some of these before and after photos.   I photograph in raw format (you ask what does that mean)?  Again, so much to learn in photography – it’s not just what you think it is.  Photography involves lots of work and $1000′s of dollars on equipment and lenses.   Software is a huge part in how you deliver wedding photography.  My advise to you is to make certain when you are shopping for a wedding photographer that you look at the work they produce.  Don’t assume that photography includes just showing up with a camera and shooting.  There are many hours spent behind the scenes.   If I could make you understand that “cutting out” photography from your wedding budget, it is the worst thing you can do.    You will regret that budget cut forever and  your memories from it will only end up making you angry, because the photographer you hired sucked!    Do the right thing from the beginning – research and get to know your photographer!   These photos have been processed in Lightroom 3.  No other software was used and the reason we love Lightroom is that the workflow that you produce is consistent every time.

The Reality of Photography and the Post Processing Behind It

So you just purchased your first camera and now you are a photographer – you pick up camera and shoot. What’s next?   Great photo you say….but for some reason it just lacks the luster and the POW.   Where and how are all these other photographers getting this type of photography and why don’t mine look like that.  I just spent $1000.00 on a new camera.   You realize now that there is more than just taking a photo.   Now what?   It’s called photo post processing and the techniques of getting there are too infinity and beyond. You purchase software: Light-room 3 ($299.00) and along with that thousands of presets available for free (on line) or you can buy from:  MCP Actions, Kubota, Totally Rad.  The list goes on and on.  Then you begin to play and realize very quickly that this POST PROCESSING business is a lot of work!   What the heck have I got myself into!     Now that you are done processing the photo in Light-room 3, it  requires a little more enhancing and you open it up in Photoshop (which will cost you $600.00)  where you are then bedazzled with filter plug ins and photoshop actions that will help you get there.   The cost of all these actions & plug ins can run into hundreds of dollars.  Oh my gosh!!!   What’s next?Learning how to use all these new softwares and your camera and getting to know your lens and what shutter speed and everything else means!   But wait – there is more……..Now my camera sucks and I need new lenses – - I have to re-invest several thousands on a new camera and new lenses that we call glass.   You may be a photographer upon your purchase of a camera; however the art of getting there is another matter.     Below you will find a photo before and after versions I post processed . Though the model is stunningly  beautiful, the enhancements make it even better .   See where I am going with this.  Photography is not just a point and shoot  operation and you are done .      It is an art-form and the techniques and workflow of getting there involves too many hours to mention in front of the computer coming up with the combination that fits your needs.   To continue onward with this adventure, you must be dedicated to this profession if you are planning on taking your art to the next level.     But the most important part is to have fun and have a great time doing it.   Now go take a look at the before/after version below.     The post processing time with this particular photo was 3 minutes.     I started in Light-room 3 and then imported the photo into Photoshop and did the final enhancements.    But the first step with your progress in photography is to understand your camera – Go for it and have a great time.

A Sanford Wedding with Melanie and Dan

Just a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of capturing beautiful memories with Dan & Melanie who tied the knot at the Pottery in Sanford.  I loved being able to capture the getting ready shots at a vintage house in Sanford – Higgins House and the details and everything else that went into this setting could not have been more perfect.   I take great pride in what I do when Melanie & Dan asked me to photography their wedding I was tickled pink.    Melanie & Dan are experienced photographers and share the same interests in photography that I have.  Understanding what goes into wedding photography and trusting me to photograph their wedding was an ego boost for me.  My work is something that I always strive to do better and I still have so much to learn.  The tricks & tips in photography along with the post processing is learning that never ends.   Thank you Dan & Melanie for being so relaxed and understanding and knowing the importance of wedding photography and taking the time to get some amazing images of your Day to Remember.  Congratulations to you both and may your football teams win!  

I can’t say it enough – Photography and getting the Shots in Getting Ready at Weddings

I love photography and the fact that you are the one that will be solely responsible for creating the memories in photography in everything we do. The importance in capturing the shot is to get the details in everything that happens on a memorable day. You can create the most beautiful moments in just photographing the little things that lead up to the big things, like getting married. Remember, when you are the photographer, many do not realize that the small details in photography are the ones that will matter the most. The family will see your photography and realize that the small details of capturing that special day is a very important deliverable. So next time you go out and photograph an event, remember – details are important. I thank Brittany and Jeff and all the family for the great day I had in capturing their memories. I was a fantastic day and the memories of these images will last forever. May your life be blessed with everything you’d ever imagine . Congratulations Brittany & Jeff.

 

Pet Photography – So you think you can

My girlfriend, Diane, has two cute little Wiener dogs and I jumped at the chance of photographing her “little girls”. Diane loves her best friends indeed and I can’t blame her. Dogs are loyal and never let you down. They are there for you no matter what. Diane and her girls showed up in Oakland where we met and both Chloe and Lucy were ready to bark and roll. So I got my handy dandy camera out using an 85mm on a Canon 5DII and a 28mm using my 7D. I’ve never had the pleasure of taking pet photography. You go with the flow as Chloe and Lucy had an agenda going all on their own. These little wieners are precious . I had a blast with Diane and her girls with the bling bling – I wanted to take  them home with me. When it comes to pet photography, remember to be patient and just shoot until you get something you like. Eventually a photo will reveal itself and if you are expecting immediate results, please remember that dogs are curious and love to look around. They don’t sit still very long and a point and shoot camera for pet photography is probably not the way to go.   I would have to recommend another lens besides the one I was using which was the 85mm on a 1.2 Canon MII.   Not ideal for pet photography.  The little 28mm 2.8 however did yield better results with taking photos on a 7D body.  Post processing with these images was in LR3.   Thank you Diane for a great day and for the creative fun we had with Chloe and Lucy.  Give them Lots of Kisses!

 

Photoshop Action Sun-flare Processing

We are experimenting with the photoshop actions.  This sunflare actions is very useful and can bring your photography into a territory of true story telling.  Isn’t what this is all about.  Capturing your Dreams to Remember and yet being able to feel everything about the photography you are looking at.  Complicated as this may seem, it is an art form that is hard to master.  This series of photos was taken at the Lake Louisa State Park and Ashley was our awesome model for the day.   The first part of the photo was processed in Light-room 3 where I then opened it up in Photoshop CS5.   I ran the photoshop action Sun Flare and just played until I got the results I liked.  Enjoy your processing technique.  I know – spending hours at a time, experimenting.    Photoshopholic for sure and the need of getting to a photography destination that I am happy with.  Hopefully Soon…..

We Love Photography and the Art of Getting There with Post Processing Challenges

No one ever thinks about what happens after the shoot.  You have the impression that the camera simply points and shoots and “dah dah”, you have a photograph.  That part is true, but what you don’t realize is the work that takes place after the shoot is over.  I’ve got to say one thing:  ”the most challenging” is the work that occurs afterwards.   I’ve been on this roadway for a couple of years attempting to get a workflow going that I can live with and yet don’t have it standardized to a point where I am satisfied.    Why is it so complicated and where can someone get a workshop going where this type of processing can be discussed and taught.  I don’t understand this “secret” – it is a recipe and I’m not looking to get the same art form you have, but simply a foundation that I could start out with and get my own going.  Being self taught and finding ways to get going in my photography has been a journey.  Every day is a step to the next shot and yet the destination of getting there is a step that I work on each and every day.   If you are willing to offer and pointers with this process, email me at arkitectluver@yahoo.com.

Today, I had the pleasure of photographing  Drew and Stephanie who recently married in June.   They are so cute together and though we didn’t get too many photos, the post processing continues.  The skin tones, colors and contrast is probably the most challenging quest.  There’s got to be a method for this approach and yet every shoot I do  is dictated by the light and location and therefore the workflow changes and so does the photography.    Wish me luck as I continue this effort in finding the perfect photograph.   Thank you Drew and Stephanie for a great day.

 

JD & Nicole’s Big Day – Wedding Style

I have to give this wedding a BIG THUMBS up!    It was an awesome day at the Winter Park Civic Center and between the girls and the boys – working with the King family and the Ligouri family a pleasure.   I am convinced that being relaxed on your big day produces results that will yield memories that you will laugh about until the end of time.   JD & Nicole definitely knew that chillin out was the way to go and it all started with the way JD parked his beautiful Silverado Pickup truck curbside style (or should I say on top of the curb).  The boys & girls in boots  and they brought  along the jeans & barbque sauce.  The grooms cake that everyone thought was a real pig was the “gawking” star of the event.    It looked real and it was yummy too.  Ya’ll come back now for some more foot stomping smoked pork and I want a ride in that Silverado Pickup.     Thank you for a fun day and making me part of  YOUR DREAMS TO REMEMBER.  It is such a pleasure and I love what I do!    Creating Memories for a lifetime is so special.  

   P.S. –  Boys – The check is in the mail !