July 3, 2009

0

Gavin Seim, news, ProPhotoShow, Workflow

Cool New Goodies At Seim Effects

I want to take a moment to plug a few new products over at my Seim Effects store, since these are what help keep this all going. I just released Hollywood Effects 2, the follow up to my first special effects actions for Photoshop. Also in a separate collection a brand new set of cool actions called Portraitist.

HE2 is filled with some pretty amazing effects. I love Lightroom, but it’s not a solo runner. These are the effects that simply can’t be done in LR and really make my best images shine. When you get HE2, it includes the Portraitist actions, which are my new skin retouching tools that perform tasks similar to expensive plugins, but right from an action and for a lot less money. They even include skin smoothing that retains detail in critical areas like eyes.

Anyways I’m stoked about how good they work. It’s the best actions I’ve ever made and has been a very successful release thanks to many of you. Of course I  still love Lightroom. You can find my presets there as well. If you want to learn more head over to Seim Effects. Other than that, have a great weekend… Gavin Seim

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June 21, 2009

7

Biz Sense, Gavin Seim, ProPhotoShow

How NOT to run your business. The Majestic Theatre:

Image from Despair INC. Their funny people.

by Gavin Seim: How often have you walked from of a business, annoyed at the lack of service? Businesses close everyday because people didn’t care enough to please. No matter what you sell, you need to give customers a happy experience. As photographers this is especially true. We’re selling quality and an experience, not a piece of paper. Similar in many ways to a movie theater, so today I’m using them as an example.

Last night I went to a theater called the Majestic in Yakima WA. Yep, I’m naming names. This is one of the worst Theaters in Washington because they don’t care. Poor management and inexperienced kids run the show. This “could” be a really nice theater, but you can almost feel the chilling lack of interest the moment you walk thru the door.

I went to see UP with family (fun movie by the way). The last show of the evening started and about half way thru I went to grab snacks. I was met by dimmed lights and told by a group of kids around sixteen that they were closing and cleaning so they could go home. Questioning this, I was informed that the owners make the decision. Then one young employee proceeded to make snotty remarks saying she likes the way they do it just fine and that they have lives too! Not kidding.

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June 17, 2009

2

ProPhotoShow

Stunt Groom Anyone?

OK I’m not a Sprint or Blackberry user, but all work and no play is no fun and this ad is perfect for us photographers. It actually got me thinking though. What crazy cool things could I pull off if I had a stunt groom. Here’s a few images that came to my mind…..

“No, I want the jacket actually in flames. It’s looks hot! Oh and this is HDR. Keep it still”

“That’s perfect. Now when the Chopper flies over, hold the roses in one hand and swing up with the other”

“OK look like the groom is feeling. Scared”

“No it’s actually four stories, but the trampoline is solid. Jump into her waiting arms.”

“Hey do we have a stunt bride around here…?”
Gavin Seim

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June 16, 2009

3

Gavin Seim, Photography Podcast, Pro Photo Show Podcast, ProPhotoShow, Review

Pro Photography Podcast #59. Thinking Marketing & Profit.

Click To Listen>> Photography Podcast. PPS #59.
Review in iTunes, or Vote on Podcast Alley
Subscribe in itunes
Today’s host... Gavin Seim

This week I review Backblaze, the Lensbaby Composer and other cool stuff. Then we delve into marketing, slidshows and word of mouth.

Podcast #59 forum discussion:

Notable Time Indexes:

  • 11:40 Backblaze review. Their online backup is working great for offsite photo storage.
  • 20:13 Lensbaby Composer review. It’s cool.
  • 33:00 Marketing and word of mouth talk.
    – Word of mouth is best.
    – Careful who you advertise with.
    – Quality is the real advertising.
    – Projection to sell.
    – Consultations are key.

Pro Photo Show deals page.

OnOne SLR remote for iPhone Also here’s a video about it.

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June 9, 2009

4

beauty, color, f164, Fine Art, Nature, technique

Midnight Seattle: Seattle WA

Midnight Seattle. Seattle WA. Jan 2009, Gavin Seim. 2010 PPA Loan Collection. 2011 PPA Magazine.

Updates

  • The limited edition has been released as a 40×24 classical canvas, edition of 100. $495.00. Contact Gavin for availability.
  • Midnight Seattle is also now available as a special open edition 24 inch print for $129.00
  • This image was admitted into the 2010 PPA International Loan collection. Details here.
  • It was published in the June 2011 issue of Professional Photographer Magazine.

When the sunlight fades, the light does not. Seattle is a spectacle to be seen, even at the strike of midnight. It’s festive colors crowned with the centerpiece that is the Space Needle. At 605 feet tall, it still stands proud and modern, though nearly fifty years old. When the view is just right and the traffic dies down, the bustling metropolis becomes a tranquil wonderland of light and color. Well, from a distance at least.

This was made at about 1AM from Kerry Park. The result is just what I hoped for from this mild winter evening. I enjoy the bold definition and tonal range, but also that the Space Needle is the primary object in the scene, complemented by the city. A gently applied dynamic range process allowed me to keep the lights and shadows in control and pull the tones of the city into a cohesive story.

Release details: Prints Available.. Order Open Edition originals above.. Signature Limited Editions are listed below and can be ordered by contacting gallery.

Released prints….

 

For Photographers. How it was made…

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