Gavin Seim: I write a lot about HDR photography here on Pro Photo Show. It’s an often misunderstood animal, that when used correctly is incredibly powerful.
This has been in the works for some time, but it’s finally official. My 3 day HDR workshop will be held in Fall of 2009 in Central WA, we’re going to cover everything from basic HDR landscapes to using HDR for amazing people pictures.
This is a small workshop limited to about 15 participants. Seats are first come first serve. You can learn more over on KungFu Photo.
by Gavin Seim: A problem people often have with HDR pictures, is getting a bold but balanced look. Often their images end up too flat, too fake, or too fancy and the entire goal (which is a vivid High Dynamic Range image) is lost. Here’s a few tips that apply to HDR nature as well as HDR portrait images on how I get a bold but not overkill look.
Below I’ve combined two – three image sets as HDR’s in Photomatix, but I’m just getting started. To bring it out, I need to mold them a bit and coax out the details I need.
Continue reading ‘HDR Photography Tip: Getting That Bold, Beautiful Look’
>>Listen To Pro Photo Show #52
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Host Gavin Seim: Seim Studios
Special Guest: Rick Sammon
Show notes…
This week we talk about nature, travel and general photography tips with Rick Sammon. Rick travels all over the world for photography workshops and has written 30 books in his career as a photographer.
The Pro Photo Show Winter contest has begun. Enter now.
Rick Sammon workshops are coming all over the world.
Rick uses Photomatix for his HDR. You can use promo code PPS15 to save 15%
Aperture for general post processing.
Rick uses magic tricks from Tannen’s Magic in New York.
Rick uses the Wescott stand and diffuser for his flashes.
Seim Effects and the new PW2 LR presets.
Gavin’s HDR portrait gallery.
by Gavin Seim (Updated 01/10) — With winter on and economic downturn in many parts of the world, you may find yourself looking at the numbers in horror. OK maybe I’m going too far, but many photographers are concerned about the amount of work on their schedule. I’m a blessed man. And while things are moving along, I too am looking at ways to put more on the calender.
Now I’m not the worlds chief authority on marketing. What I do know is that amazing service is a never fail approach. Beyond that there’s is no instant solution, but hard work pays off and these tips will get you thinking. I’m going to assume you already have great service (you do right?), then keep it short with six tips that can help you get noticed in this competitive market. I also found another cool article by Sean Clayton about getting your phone to ring that you might want to check out.
- #1. Give Some Classy Freebies:
Sometimes the best way to make profit is by giving something away. You don’t have to devalue your work by shouting FREE prints to the world. Try sending gifts to past clients for anniversaries or graduations. They don’t need to be photos. In fact something else might make a HUGE impression. Chocolates, a gift card for dinner. Maybe coffee or a bottle of wine. They may have loved your photos, but clients need a reminder to talk about you. I know it sounds expensive, but it will WOW past clients and usually pays. There’s various ways to give gifts and perks. Just be creative and see what matches your style.
- #2. Send Images to Venue’s:
Sending out promo images from a venue is a great way to make yourself memorable and build venue relationships. A pile of 8×10’s for their book or some web files for their site is fine, but lately I’ve been taking it to the next level by giving notable things like larger canvas images and albums. Venues nearly always need great images to show off to potential customers and what can be better than them showing off yours. Make sure you put your name on them in a classy fashion and send some business cards along. The venue will appreciate the images, and you can get free advertising, which is always the best kind.
Continue reading ‘Six Tips to Build Your Photography Business:’
By Gavin Seim: (updated 12/09)
I often get email from photographers asking me to look at their work and give my thoughts. In ten seconds I can usually tell them how to improve it. There’s nearly always something we can make better, no matter how much photography experience we have.
Most rules are universal to photographers of any style, or any experience level. Of course rules are made to be broken, but general concepts help us stay on track. These are some favorites I keep in mind with my own work. Share yours in the comments and post some of your work in the forums to get some personal feedback. OK let’s roll.
- Omit needless objects:
- Simplicity is usually at the heart of a great image:
- Bold colors make bold photographs:
- If a background doesn’t add to the scene, change it:
- If a background is cluttered, blurring can make it perfect:
- Light. Where’s it coming from, how can you use it?:
- Don’t center everything. Use the rule of thirds. It works:
- Eyes! Watch em close, keep em sharp. They are emotion:
- Use the “Magic Hour”. Around sunrise and sunset magical light happens:
- Blur when used correctly, can be very powerful:
- Keep it vivid. Watch your shutter speed, and object movement:
- Space is valuable, but keep the scene clutter free:
- Harsh sun can be bad. Learn to manipulate it & use shade:
- Shadows are dramatic. Use them to add drama:
- Clouds are your friend, they add mood & filter light:
- Go with your gut. Have an idea? Then go for it:
- Use the new idea, but also grab those old reliable shots.
- If the weather is foul, it doesn’t mean the photos will be:
- Lines lead eyes. Pay attention to where they go / intersect:
- Change hours. Different times of day will transform a scene:
- Don’t underestimate the power of Burn and Dodge.
- Did I mention… Simplicity, Simplicity, Simplicity:
This award winning HDR image has a lot going for it. Notice the balanced intersecting lines, bold colors, and simplicity of the scene. It leads the eyes and tells a story.
Blurring was an effective tool here. The light at the ceremony was great but I wanted the focus on the couple. I used a Lensbaby to give me the soft edges and then some work in post production to make the viewers eye go right where I wanted. The blue could have also been done in post, but I enjoy the Lensbaby.
Simplicity and editing gave this simple Dandelion boldness. There's little to detract from the texture of the the flower and the infrared processing effect done with one of my presets in Lightroom gave it a unique look.
Look To the Wind, is one of my early (and most recognized) HDR portraits. The space gives it a wide cinematic feel and the simplicity of the deserted beach adds strength to the scene. Looking back however I should have watched my lines more. The way the horizon cuts at the shoulder is not ideal. I love the image, but if I was here again I would be up higher with the camera for an even more powerful comp.
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: Nick Brandt
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