Sometimes I feel like I'm just barely skimming the surface. And I'm not simply referring to the complex and philosophical matters that seem to be difficult for many to grasp in anything short of a lifetime. I'm referring to photography and the kinds of things that photographers do nowadays. Contrary to popular belief, photography is about much more than just snapping a great picture. It's about learning how to really use your equipment. It's about learning how to interact with and build relationships with your clients and the people in your industry. And for many, it's about learning how to find an editing style that compliments your artistic point of view.
Last November, I had finally saved up enough money to buy a set of Totally Rad Actions. I recognized the value of using them very early on, and I was waiting for the day I'd be able to converse using terms like Pro Retouch and Green With Envy. I remember downloading them to my computer, opening photoshop, and testing each one to see what kind of magic it contained. I remember selecting a set of images that I wanted to edit and blog. I sat down at my computer, ready get started with my fancy new tools, and suddenly I felt very confused. Which one should I use first? How many should I use for each image? Is there an order I should use?
I sat there working on a single image for about 30 minutes. And then I realized that I had 20 images left on my desktop. How is this making my work flow more efficient? 30 minutes per image x 20 images = ?! But nevertheless, I kept going and kept experimenting until I realized that I was using the same actions consistently and on nearly every image I sent through photoshop. And so my personal editing style was born.
Before I go on, allow me to clarify something. Editing is not the most important thing I do as a photographer. Editing does not make mediocre images great. But it does makes great images look even better. I edit to enhance what I believe is already there. And I edit as a way of expressing myself artistically. Because a photographer's style is about much more than just the way he or she composes an image. It's also about the manner in which the image is cared for after it's written to a cf card.
I seldom, if ever, post before and after images on this blog. But today I feel compelled to really illustrate what I've blabbered on about for the last 4 paragraphs. Not only that, I'm dying to show you some of the stuff I'll be blogging in the next few weeks! So here are some before & after sneak peeks! Happy Friday everyone (:
before.
after.
Chrissy & Kyle's Day Before Session
before.
after.
4 comments:
i feel the same way so often.
GIIIIIRL, you got skillz.
It's really nice when photographers post before and afters on their blogs. It's a vulnerable position to put yourself and in the case of some people, I like their befores better than their afters because they go way too far. But that is certainly not the case for you. I love what you did with both of these photos.
I really like the way you edit. Not over the top, fake-y. Just perfect. What was your recipe for the second photo?
Thanks for the email back! Glad to have a new photography friend :)
Lucy and Chris are gorgeous. Very romantic. You photography is the best. Getting better and better all the time. It is amazing how much raw talent you have. Ken and I sit here, starstruck-looking at your website-we are your greatest fans and always have been. Keep up the good work, Pidge.
Post a Comment