April 27, 2008

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Gavin Seim, Lighting, PPS Photography Tips, ProPhotoShow

Intersting Portrait Lighting! Headlights?

The session was near Ritzville Washington. We were on a bridge that spanned this pond, and the lighting had been really flat thru the session, though we had still got some great shots. It was getting pretty dark however and I needed something dramatic to finish up with. The clouds had destroyed my dreams a stunning HDR sunset, and I knew I had to try something fast.

Looking around at the light, I got a plan. The car headlights on My Pontiac had gone on, and cast light and shadows across their path. I had the 580EX, but on camera flash was not what I needed here. I decided to try something I had never done before by parking the car across the road with the lights on Jacob. After editing with a few of my Lightroom effects I was able to get some pretty cool results.

There were birds flying all around the pond as well, and I decided to get a few shots with them in the background. It paid off! This shot was made with the “UBW Vintage” preset from my B&W set, plus a little tweaking. You can see a few more from this session on Jacobs Senior Portraits, over on my blog. I’ve decided to open up my mind to more alternative lighting techniques in the future and see what comes… Gavin Seim

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April 26, 2008

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Gavin Seim, Lighting, ProPhotoShow

Going to the senior session

I shot an on location senior session Tuesday, and as I drove I found myself considering the light, and talking to myself about it. Maybe I’m crazy but if I record myself then suddenly I’m no longer talking to myself 🙂 I had my G9 along so I decided to record a video via the steering wheel..

I always to try think when going to a shoot (note I say try). I like to look at other photographers work before I go to get inspired, and get my brain going. Then on the way I think of the information I know about the subject and the location and try to get a plan. Of course it doesn’t always go as planned so I try to have open ideas, and be ready for anything! HOW DO YOU GET INSPIRED? Gavin Seim

On the way video

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April 24, 2008

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Dennis Zerwas, PPS Photography Tips, ProPhotoShow, Wedding Tip Wens

Wedding Tip Wednesday #6: Sunset Time

sunset wedding coupole

Dropping this tip a little late today but happy W.T.W. everybody! With it being Earth Day yesterday, I thought I’d involve the object that swings us around once a year into this weeks tip. That’s right the Sun. Which, as the They Might Be Giants song goes, is “a mass of incandescent gas, a gigantic nuclear furness,” and obviously very important to us “light writers.” More specifically, when it sets.

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April 22, 2008

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Gavin Seim, PPS Photography Tips, ProPhotoShow

6 Tips to Becoming a Professional Wedding Photographer

how to be a wedidng photographerSo, you’re going shoot your first wedding. Maybe you’ve been hired, or maybe your doing it for a friend on a budget. Either way you want to get great results, have good referrals for the future, and make the clients super happy!

So what do you look for? What about wedding photography is so intimidating, and how should you take on this challenging but rewarding type of photography?

1. Don’t Oversell Yourself.
If your just getting started with weddings don’t pretend to be something your not. Chances are the reason your shooting their day, is because it’s not in the budget to hire someone who’s experienced with weddings! That’s OK, and an opportunity for you. If you feel it’s too much, then let them know and maybe get someone else to help. Chances are however that your thinking “I can handle it fine” That’s cool, but be realistic, and remember you can’t do a retake of a wedding.

2. Do your Homework
If you lack experience with weddings do some research. Take the time to read a few books and get a feel for what is expected of you at the wedding. A couple books you might check out are Digital Wedding Photography, The Complete Guide to Professional Wedding Photography, and The Wedding Photographers Handbook. There’s many more, just search around on Amazon.

If it makes you more comfortable, have the bride give you a list of shots she really wants, but don’t expect the couple to know everything you need to shoot. Once you know your way around you’ll probably outgrow lists for the most part, since you’ll already know what to shoot and when. Also take the time to look at great wedding pictures from other photographers and note what you like and dislike about their images.

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April 16, 2008

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Gavin Seim, PPS Photography Tips, ProPhotoShow

When Art Becomes Trash!

I get sick of lousy work being called art. “Look ma I’m an artist”

art-not.jpg

So what is art, and what is trash? I’m not just talking photography here,I’m talking about all art. Some will say I’m being harsh here, but sometimes a little crankinesses helps us be more realistic. The above image took me longer to save an upload than it did to convert it from photo to funky! Am I a better artist now?

Ever looked at a piece that was touted as art and said “That’s Really Stupid”? If not stop by a gallery some time. You’ve probably also seen other so called artists gather round and say “WOW that’s so moving” All this time guys like us look on and think… “Am I Missing Something Here”

Anyone can say their an artist, but that doesn’t make them one. There is some truth to the statement that “Beauty in is the eye of the beholder” but it can easily be noted that art is sometimes an excuse for shotty workmanship.

VIEWER… “what’s with this pictures where half the guys head is out of the frame, and he’s sucking on his big toe, or is that a coke bottle! PHOTOGRAPHER/PAINTER… That’s my artistic interpretation.

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