Lightening and sharpening eyes

As I was editing pictures of my baby sisters engagement shoot it struck me how important it is to focus on the details of a picture  In particular the eyes of a subjects. My sister has beautiful dark brown eyes but they can become lost in the photograph because they do not catch light very well. Why is it important that an eye catch light do you ask? Well the photograph bellow will answer your question. Keep in mind the only thing I changed in this photograph is her eyes. Doesn't it make a huge difference?

 

Now look at the two photographs in Black and white. Having the eyes catch light is especially important in black and white pictures because all other distractions are taken away and you will be drawn into the sharpest part of the picture.

I have included a video tutorial on how to accomplish this yourself. I hope it helps you to create wonderful portraits!

I love reading other photography blogs for inspiration and simply because I love photography. A good friend of mine has recently become interested in photography and per my advice ;-) started a photography blog about her photography journey. I thought I would share it with all of you.

http://www.cbethphoto.blogspot.com/

If any of you have a favorite blog please leave the link in the comment section have a good one! :-)



Camera Etiquette

My last semester in college I was struck with the lack of camera etiquette that was occurring around me. The first time was in a bible class when a guy from the yearbook staff randomly burst in the room and started walking around taking pictures. Lets just say this did not go over well with the professor, can't say that I blame him. It's hard enough trying to keep the attention of a class full of twenty year olds while teaching on bible translation without having to compete with some random dude trampsing around the room taking yearbook pictures. Cause lets be honest, no matter how much everyone pretends they don't want their picture taken, when it comes down to it everyone wants to see their face in the yearbook. Long story short the professor kindly told the photographer to get lost and the indecent was forever a glaring memory of what NOT to do in my head.

That brings me to camera etiquette faux pas #2...formal events. As I was sitting at one of my good friends senior piano recitals I was again hit by this idea of bad camera etiquette. The memory of a freshman photography major running around the room taking photographs with her flash on is forever imprinted in my brain. To say it was a distraction is an understatement, it was downright embarrassment to all who call themselves photographers. The flash of her camera in a darkened room created a strobe like setting for the room which I am sure my friend did not intended to be incorporated into her recital.

How could these two incidents have been avoided. Incident #1 could have been avoided by communicating with the professor before ever entering the class room. Remember if it is not a situation where they have invited you to come invade their space you need to communicate your intentions and ask for permission. Simple :-)

Incident #2...while the photographer had been invited to take photographs she was completely unaware of her surroundings. Photographers I KNOW we all have an instinct to get in the position to take the best shot, sometime you must say NO to this instinct. At recitals, or even some weddings the client may want you to blend into the walls so as to not take away from the moment, even if it means at the cost of the photographs.

How can we keep from committing camera etiquette faux pas? It is simple, communicate with those you are photographing/working for, take a look at your surroundings and asses what is fitting for the situation.

Colors in Editing Photographs

Hey blogger friends!! I just wanted to share with you a picture I took of my new nephew last weekend. While nothing can mask his undeniable cuteness I found the colors of the original image to be rather flat. With the addition of layers, tweaking of colors and some burning around the edge I managed to bring some color into the picture to further enhance his cuteness. What do you think. I am thinking about making a video tutorial to demonstrate how something like this can be accomplished. If anyone would be interested in something like that leave me a comment and let me know.    :-)   Have a great weekend my photography friends and God bless.

Question of the week: Black and White vs. Color

Black and white or color. As I edit pictures for clients I find it incredibly difficult to decide if I like the black and white or color version better. Usually I end up giving them both versions. Whats your opinion...black and white or color?