Last winter I produced one of my favorite images. It consisted of 18th century clothing, a pocket watch, full size boar spear, gigantic bustle, a boar head, crazy cool wallpaper, and more! I have also been meaning to answer some popular questions asked of me...
Blogged By: Bryan
Back when I first started having my productions filmed, my main goal was to document the creation of my images in a really exciting way, to show how much fun my Reality Shoots are, and how much work and planning goes into even one of my 'smaller' productions. Not to mention all the great people who help make these shoots possible in regards to assistants, filmers, stylists, hair/makeup, and prop/wardrobe.
Often I am asked what software or filter I use, or if I use "HDR" (don't get me started), and what it is that make my images "POP", etc. Hopefully through these videos I will be able to help everyone understand that my images look the way they do for many reasons, not just because I shoot with a particular camera, or use specific lights, have a Apple laptop, or use fancy software and edit with a big touch screen; because when it really comes down to it, those are only the 'tools' I use. Talent, vision, creativity, and as always, LOTS and LOTS of time and patience, will make or beak an image.
So, in answer to your questions: Though some may pick things up faster than others, ANYONE can learn Photoshop, ANYONE can learn how to use a camera and lights, and yes ANYONE, (as it is obvious throughout the internet), ANYONE can create an HDR image. You CAN NOT, however, learn talent and creativity. Talent will never be replaced by technology because technology will always be a 'tool'. In other words, someone will always have to tell software or hardware what to do. It is then up to the person using the tool to think on their own, and create amazing new things. Each one of us has our own talents, and everyone I believe is creative in some ways. So find and develop your talents and give yourself the time needed to be inspired and think more creatively, and NEVER settle for just being as good as someone else. I think a good sign of a true artist is how easy they make it look to do what they do, and how achievable it may seem. Just think about this for a while. What would the world be like if everyone over time had just settled for what others had already done before them, with regards to the telephone, TV, computers, architecture, cars etc.
-once you start playback, click the HQ icon in the control bar of the YouTube video, to view in high quality!
Don't ever believe the rumor that I continue to hear till this day, that "everything has already been done before". The truth of it is, inspiration and creating something new, is REALLY HARD WORK! It is NEVER a quick trick, or 'secret'. Those that work hard at developing their talents and exploring new directions, taking risks, and really dedicating their lives to the things they love, are the ones who will achieve great things. With that I look forward to seeing amazing new things from all of us! I hope you enjoy the video!
-Update: Before anyone gets bent out of shape because of my attitude toward HDR images... I must say that I have nothing against using true "High Dynamic Range", as that is the foundation of photography and has been around since Ansel Adams developed the Zone System. HDR these days, however, means taking a series of the same image exposed at several different stops using a tripod and then using filters and sliders with software, and ultimately producing an image with little or no contrast, (highlights and shadows). The bottom line is "HDR" (referring to the modern term), does not make a poor image better, or a snapshot into a work-of-art. The few good "HDR" images I have seen did not "turn out" because of "HDR", they were properly lit, composed, thought out, and good camera techniques were used by a talented photographer. Again, it is my opinion that if someone wants to incorporate High Dynamic Range techniques in their work I would recommend using it WHERE needed. As I have mentioned before, "Treat any filter as a powerful spice in a great recipe, use it sparingly or you can ruin the entire dish". To help illustrate the difference between "HDR" images, and my images, (as they are often compared to these days), I have uploaded a random "HDR" image I found on the internet, (for other examples just Google "HDR" using images instead of web for the search type), and I have also uploaded one of my completed images, as a reference. NOTE THIS IS NOT A CONTEST of which image is right or wrong, or better or worse, rather I hope it illustrates the significant difference between using a "blanket filter", as I call it, and using high dynamic range techniques in an image.
Some things you could ask yourself about your images: Where does your eye focus in the image, IS there a focal point? Does it allow the viewer to travel the image and otherwise be directed to a special point or points that you were hoping to introduce them to? Remember the human eye is drawn towards contrast, and focus points. Thats why we shade our eyes when its bright, or wear sunglasses. So if the images we create are void of contrast and focus points we just removed the two main things our eyes wanted. Think of why you like looking at portraits with softly focused backdrops, is it perhaps because it is easy to focus on the subject? Or how about a beautiful landscape with sunlight falling on a car driving through the scene, where does your eye go?
In the end, I REALLY love helping people, and for many of you who follow and appreciate my artwork, I hope you know I only wish to inspire you and educate you. That's the main reason for my blog, so I truly hope this helped.
Well said, when you see the two shots together you can see that your shot has more depth . It's not only how good you are with photoshop but your artistic eye and knowing when to stop
Sorry not very good with words Dyslexic so frustrating
mmmmm sure that shot of the crane is mine lol
I got lots of ideas floating around in my head I want to try. hopefully I will try them out soon
Keep up the good work all the best Steve
I am so glad firefox got a spell check :)
24 April 2009 - 7:05:01 -
Debbi
I love your blog and you do inspire me!
Thanks
Debbi
Steve, I dont really have a secret in dealing with skin tones, I just keep an eye on them. Usually I work over the faces and skin so much in post anyway, they end up just the way I want.
Collins, I want to be very careful about saying what is good and bad regarding any artistic photography or just art in general. I am in the middle of post-production madness right now, with several images, and the end of the tunnel is in sight. I liked your request. I will post something regarding the use of HDR to enhance images, or merely what HDR can do to parts of an image to compliment it... rather than the GET RICH QUICK route of trying to turn a snapshot into a work of art, using sliders or multiple exposures. I appreciate your patience.
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