Art Prints: From Start to Finish

On June 20th I photographed Tyler and Jessy’s wedding in Wilson, NC. All my wedding packages include an art print. An art print is an image that I created at their wedding with the bride and groom in mind. They often times don’t look like a traditional wedding pictures, which is great, because it gives me a chance to do something unique for each bride and groom. I don’t go by a formula or anything. I do however, give it some thought before hand as to what I want to do. That way I know how to capture the image (film vs. digital, etc.). Tyler and Jessy met at Barton College, and were married in Howard Chapel on campus and had their reception on campus. So, I knew that I wanted to do something Barton-ish. So, I photographed the clock tower which is a new part of Barton’s campus but has become a big part of the campus. I arrived early to the wedding so that I could photograph the clock tower as well as other areas around campus. The cyanotype process came to mind because this process results in a blue print and if you know Barton, blue is the school color. So, it seemed fitting. Of course, I am a process person. I have so much fun just making these prints. But, sometimes it can get in the way because I tend to do too much experimenting and get lost trying to find the final image. So, I thought I would share this process. But first, the final image:

Okay, so here is where it began. This is a digital image, right out of Camera RAW:

Then, I digitally manipulated it. I kind of like this version. So, I almost stopped here, but I decided to keep on going so I could see what the cyanotype would look like:

Here is the cyanotype. It was toned in borax then tannic acid (hence the washed out look):

And of course, the final image. I scanned the toned cyanotype above and then re-introduced the digitally manipulated version. Tyler and Jessy will be getting a matted version of this one:

Connor

Oh my, I love this little guy. His name is Connor and I don’t need to tell you how cute he is. He was such a delight to photograph. I am glad I brought my raggedy chair out to the session because Connor seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. This old chair has been in my family for quite some time and has had many occupants and holds many memories. So, I hope it will help Connor and his family have some great memories too.

My Mother-In-Law told me that it looks like it is time to give the old chair a new seat. I think she’s right!

More from the Design Pile

Just more from the Design Pile:

Connor is featured Collage #19, Collage #21, and Collage Dots:

By, the way, more of this cute little fella to come:

Fun Stuff…The Fundamentals

I have been feeling the need to do a “Fun Stuff” post for a while. Things have been incredibly busy here lately so I thought it might be time for a bit of a sidetrack. It always seems that I need something to sidetrack me to help focus. How weird is that?

As I was thinking about what to do for a Fun Stuff post I was a bit blank, nothing was really sticking out. So, I just tried to think about what has been on my mind lately about this thing called photography.

So, there are times when I get in a bit of a funk. My mind is clouded. I feel like my work could be so much better than it is (which, honestly, I think that ALL the time). I hound myself about trying “this: or doing “that” or why didn’t do “this” or why didn’t I do “that” at a shoot.  I get overwhelmed by the pressures of this business, you know, trying to stand out in market saturated with photographers, or trying desperately to get to that next level where you want to be.

What to do? I have been trying to think about what has worked in the images or photo-session that I felt good about and also what is so great about the images that see by other artists that I feel are exceptional. My thought was this: the fundamentals. Yeah, it’s not anything novel, it’s not groundbreaking, and it’s not a fancy new photography product promised to make you the best photographer ever and it is not a new camera with an Ansel Adams button on it. The fundamentals, that’s it. When I am feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by all the possibilities and pressures out there, the fundamentals of photography are where I find some peace.  What do I mean by the fundamentals? Well, it’s all those things I learned back in Photo I and am now teaching my Photo I students. Things like correct exposure, composition, communication, and clarity/focal points.  And it’s not just the photo techie stuff either. Composition and communication were in that list too. If I can start there in an image and have those things in my mind, I feel like I am off to a better start.

So, now I am thinking these “Cs”: Correct Exposure, Composition, Communication, and Clarity (Focus and Focal Points).

I find that when I have the correct exposure, my images are much better in terms of quality and I spend so much less time in Photoshop (which is great). Details in the highlights, details in the shadows, and most importantly do I have detail (image tone) where detail is needed.

Composition can obviously make an image interesting or make it completely boring. It has to do with vision. How you envision your subject in a particular place is so important. So, just a few quick questions: Is everything in the image supporting my main subject matter? Are there any distracting elements in the image? What is going on in my corners?

Communication is key.  I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I remember when I was a student and wanted just to simply take pictures. I soon learned the difference between taking pictures and making them. Thanks to Philippe Halsmann, every photography teacher in the world has used that line (including myself). It’s about making images, not taking them. Conscious thought…why am I even making this image to begin with, what is the message here, who is it for, and how will the viewer read it?

Does anyone else have a hard time with Clarity/Focus? I’m not scared to admit it. I simply ask myself what are the most important things (focal points) in this image and will they be in focus with the settings I have chosen and of course, just visually speaking, are they in focus?

So, that’s it. Obviously there are other factors out the wazoo that go into making a great image. However, to me, those are the basics, the nitty gritty. I know it would be impossible to sit and ponder about all those things for every image. But, it’s worth a shot.

I know I have a long way to go (huge emphasis on long) and I will never have everything figured out. But, if I can get the basics down, I feel like that will give me the best chance at growing and maturing to the artist that I want to be.

Brian + Jessica

Yeh! I mentioned in an earlier post how much fun these guys are to photograph. They kept me laughing throughout the shoot and then I got to laugh again when I went through and edited them. I love the facial expressions! I am looking forward to their wedding in December! Here are some of my favorites:

Brian’s turn:

Quick Phone Call:

love their faces in this one..it makes me laugh:

Brian + Jessica…just a peak

Last Saturday I met up with Brian + Jessica for an engagement session. They are getting married this December and after doing their e-session I am very much looking forward to the wedding. These guys are a lot of fun. We had fun exploring the woods and defending ourselves from the ticks and spiders out in the great outdoors of NC. I definitely learned that when you plan on doing a shoot in deep woods it is a good idea to use bug spray…the best you can find. It was great fun…these guys were so natural and fun to work with. Thanks guys…more to come.

Design Pile Versatility

I recently shared with you a little bit about the upcoming disk I am putting together called “the Design Pile.” It is a collection of borders and collages that I have created for photographers to use for their albums and presentation prints. I plan on continuing to share more from the collection. Just a reminder, all the Coalesce Workshop attendees will be getting first dibs on the Design Disk and will be receiving $25 off the disk if purchased at the workshop. The collages included in the design disk are quite versatile. Which is great, because you can take one collage design and use it in so many different ways. Thanks to my family for letting me use them as examples!! Here is an example of the versatility using Collage #7:

Collage # 7 with white border/black background:

Collage # 7 in conjunction with Design Dots.

Collage #7 with floating images:

Ethiopia in Wilmington, Part 3

For Day 3 I met up with two great families. We had some crazy weather that day, so luckily we were able to get some shooting accomplished. I did have to cancel for a few others from the weekend or because of other circumstances, so those will be coming up soon. I want to thank these guys for participating in the shoot. Again, if you want to check on the McCumbee’s adoption progress, just visit their blog.

Meet Kobbe and her Mom Colleen, what a beautiful pair:

Meet the Mosher Family…Todd, Stephanie, Braxton, and Brogan. These little guys are handsome and did such a great job. One thing I have noticed about family portraits that I love, specifically of children, is facial expression. I love genuine facial expressions, even if they are not just your straight up “cheese” for the camera. I love funny faces and even sad faces sometimes. These guys were so expressive…so of course, my favorites were the ones with the funny faces.

They were showing me a bug:

Coalesce Workshop Updates

I have some new information for the Coalesce Workshop. I am excited to announce that Loktah will be giving all my workshop attendees a 15% off coupon towards their first Loktah purchase! I have ordered the “Mystery” Disk Cases to hold the disks the workshop attendees will be receiving. They are much more fun than a boring white envelope or boring DVD case! So, thanks Loktah! Be sure to visit Loktah.com to check out their great products.

Also, I have been working hard on a design disk called Design Pile that can be used by photographers for albums, prints, and their products. This first volume will be packed full of image collages, new textures, new borders, and some new video tutorials. I am working on the finishing touches for the design disk, but hope to have it for sale for everyone very soon. The disk will be on sale for the Workshop attendees at a discounted price of $50 (It will normally sell for $75).

Here are just a few sneak previews of what types of design materials will be available on Design Pile:

New Borders:

New Album/Image Collages:

New Textures:

Ethiopia to Wilmington: DAY 2

I photographed 8 families on Day 2 for the Ethiopia to Wilmington benefit weekend. Wow, what a long and productive day. I photographed so many cute kids I don’t even know where to start. This is going to be the biggest picture post ever. It’s a long one, so just keep in mind this is 8 shoots in one post. It was very difficult to choose which ones to post. Obviously, Day 2 was at the beach. The weather was great. I got a rockin farmer’s tan! I haven’t been able to wear sleeveless shirts since; it’s kinda funny. I want to thank all the families and couples for participating! Here we go:

Ladies first….Meet the Byers!!!

Meet the Byrds. I have known Holly for what seems like forever. She and my sister Jill have been friends for a long time, which I think is awesome. The coolest thing is that Cole and my niece Bree are really good friends too!!

Muscle Beach!!!!

Meet the Krowls:

This is Earl and Danielle Reese and they are expecting little Jamey very soon. I have been friends with Earl and Danielle since undergraduate school at Barton College. Let me tell you, Earl is one of a kind. They make me laugh so much. I knew it would be a fun and entertaining session with these guys. I am looking forward to seeing Jamey very soon!! I know Danielle must be the envy of pregnant ladies everywhere…I think she needs to be a maternity model.

 

Meet the Snyder Family. Yes, the Snyder Family…Snyders Rock!!! (My maiden name is Snyder….even spelled the same way!)

I don’t know what it is, but I was digging the black and white for this family!

Meet the Thomas Fam!

Making the beach cleaner, one piece of trash at a time!

Meet Allison and Michael. They are getting married!!!