Vanessa Schafer

[24Peter]

Vanessa's just getting into modeling (she brought her sister to assist with the shoot [dark hair]). XT with 50 1.8, 17-40L, 85 1.8 and 70-200 f4L. See all her photos here:
http://imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer

http://photos.imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer/large/IMG_8757.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer/large/IMG_8856.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer/large/IMG_8981.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer/large/IMG_9091.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer/large/IMG_9133.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/24peter/vanessaschafer/large/IMG_9148BandW.JPG

[CptOfGondor]

Wow, the photos came out nice. She's beautiful. Kinda reminds me a little of Audrey Raines (Kim Raver) from the show 24.

[JTL]

Stunning work. You better start charging the big bucks soon!

But...next time, tell to touch up her roots before the shoot! No knock on your shots, though. The B&W one is especially over-the-top good...

Also, in the shots with the teal blouse, her bra is awful (look especially at #39)...give her some constructive advice to make sure her cloths work to her advantage. Agencies notice details like that...

[cwphoto]

The monochrome one's the pick - outstanding.

[arigato]

Real nice photos there, she should smile a bit more! I really like some of the ones where she is smiling/smirking at the camera.

[24Peter]

Thanks for your feedback guys. :)

[aparmley]

I see some real improvement in these images. This is not saying that it was obvious in your last efforts where improvements could be made. In an attempt to word things properly, suffice it to say that the overall impression I get from seeing this set of images is that your skill and eye is maturing and that those two factors can be seen in these images. Really great stuff Pete. I agree, the B/W image is exceptionally nice. I really like 4 as well.

[Thai]

3rd photo down.... yum.:)

[coldrain]

She has a very photogenic sister. Maybe your next subject?

[24Peter]

I see some real improvement in these images. This is not saying that it was obvious in your last efforts where improvements could be made. In an attempt to word things properly, suffice it to say that the overall impression I get from seeing this set of images is that your skill and eye is maturing and that those two factors can be seen in these images. Really great stuff Pete. I agree, the B/W image is exceptionally nice. I really like 4 as well.
Thanks Andy - I appreciate that. :)
To be honest guys, I'm having a bit of a crisis of confidence lately. I'm really setting my sights on doing higher end fashion photography but have gotten caught up in comparing myself to others with much more experience and probably much better equipment. I guess I'm wondering if I've "got what it takes." I mean there are some really, really great photographers working out there. I'm trying to be gentle on myself and recognize I have indeed come a long way in one year (got my XT last April.) But I also feel like I have a long way to go. And to make it as a fashion photographer, I feel like my stuff has to be "really special". Whatever that means. :confused:

This is still fun for me (though it can be stressful at times.) And my "B" job pays well enough that I'm not concerned about money. But sometimes I look at my stuff as kind of amateur - at least compared to what the pros are doing. I'm sure I'll work through this, but it's kinda been eating away at me the last few days. :(

[Bluedog]

Its that the dreaded Purple Fringe I see in those white pants ... :D

no wait thats Vanessa _ excellent work Pete!

[te1221]

I am always fascinated by seeing posts from your latest shoots. I just got my xt and am trying to start out and seeing some of your stuff gives me good inspiration.

Do you have an actual studio or do you have a room in your house dedicated to photoshoots?

[JTL]

I guess I'm wondering if I've "got what it takes".Your best shots (and I'm sure you can pick out your best shots at this point) are as good as most of what I see. Steve Darmis #46 and Vanessa #54 are only the latest examples of "money shots" in any book. You've only been doing it a year and look how far you've come. Forget about your obvious talent...it's takes courage to photograph models! A lot talented shooters with a good eye never even get this far because working with models is not easy and they know it. And they are afraid to approach people and work with them to even build up a portfolio as you've done.

Don't get yourself down. Look at what you've done. You're on the way...

[D Thompson]

Great shots Peter! Lot's of good angles & lines. Shots 2-7 & 24-63 are the ones I like the best. The are a few in the series 8-23 that are good also, but for me some of those poses appeared awkward or something. I can't quite put my finger on it. 42,50, & 62 are tops. You've got a good eye and it shows, so you don't need to have a "confidence crisis". Keep developing your sight and you'll do fine.

Thanks.

[24Peter]

I am always fascinated by seeing posts from your latest shoots. I just got my xt and am trying to start out and seeing some of your stuff gives me good inspiration.

Do you have an actual studio or do you have a room in your house dedicated to photoshoots?
Thanks. I moved into a bigger place last year that's around 1400 sq ft and has a large living room. I use that for my studio. I move out the furniture and set up a backdrop and lights. Takes about an hour to set up/tear down but saves on studio rental costs. The ceilings are about 9ft - any lower and I couldn't use the space (not for full body shots at least.) I have a spare bedroom where I store most of my gear and use as space for the models to change, etc.

[24Peter]

Your best shots (and I'm sure you can pick out your best shots at this point) are as good as most of what I see. Steve Darmis #46 and Vanessa #54 are only the latest examples of "money shots" in any book. You've only been doing it a year and look how far you've come. Forget about your obvious talent...it's takes courage to photograph models! A lot talented shooters with a good eye never even get this far because working with models is not easy and they know it. And they are afraid to approach people and work with them to even build up a portfolio as you've done.

Don't get yourself down. Look at what you've done. You're on the way...
Thanks for the encouraging words. It is really tough to find people shoot sometimes but I think I've done pretty well in that regard. I've definitely had to go well beyond my comfort zone in terms of meeting new people. I guess I just lack any objectivity about my work. (I'm sure like many people) I focus on all the little things that aren't perfect rather than looking at the big picture (literally). :o

[24Peter]

Great shots Peter! Lot's of good angles & lines. Shots 2-7 & 24-63 are the ones I like the best. The are a few in the series 8-23 that are good also, but for me some of those poses appeared awkward or something. I can't quite put my finger on it. 42,50, & 62 are tops. You've got a good eye and it shows, so you don't need to have a "confidence crisis". Keep developing your sight and you'll do fine.

Thanks.
Thanks Dennis. I think the challenge now for me is to start approaching some of the modeling agencies here in town about doing test shoots with some of their professional, working models. That will allow me to take my portfolio to the next level. But I'm just scared to death to walk in there with my current work.

But that will also show me how badly I want this. I'll have to see how willing I am to push through the fear and just do it. I've spent the last couple of weeks hitting up the local clothing stores to see if they need photos for ads or a website (there's a ton of really trendy shops on Melrose Ave.) While it's been tough, I'm committed to doing it. I guess I'm just at the point where it's time to take it to the next level and I'm just really afraid I won't be able to do it. Stay tuned!:eek:

[rawpaw18]

We are all pulling for you Peter. I can't wait to tell people I knew him when...
Judging by the fact you have had your Xt about a year, and your shoots come out the way they do, you should be pleased with your progress. Do not loose your confidence in your ability. I would hope that years down the road that you still think there is room for improvement, and that is a good thing(to quote a covicted felon), because it will only make you strive to get even better. My guess is the learning never stops. Mine has barely begun.

[aparmley]

Thanks Andy - I appreciate that. :)
To be honest guys, I'm having a bit of a crisis of confidence lately. I'm really setting my sights on doing higher end fashion photography but have gotten caught up in comparing myself to others with much more experience and probably much better equipment. I guess I'm wondering if I've "got what it takes." I mean there are some really, really great photographers working out there. I'm trying to be gentle on myself and recognize I have indeed come a long way in one year (got my XT last April.) But I also feel like I have a long way to go. And to make it as a fashion photographer, I feel like my stuff has to be "really special". Whatever that means. :confused:

This is still fun for me (though it can be stressful at times.) And my "B" job pays well enough that I'm not concerned about money. But sometimes I look at my stuff as kind of amateur - at least compared to what the pros are doing. I'm sure I'll work through this, but it's kinda been eating away at me the last few days. :(

I'm no expert Pete, especially with regards to your confidence problems. Although, I'll take a stab and speculate out loud incase it helps. . . What do you think the pros, whom you speak of, think about their skill level or their work? Maybe you contact a few local boys just for a sit down, ask them straight up, "How do you feel about your work?" or "How is your confidence level?" Ofcourse let them know up front why you will be asking these questiosn. . . But seriously, Do you think those pros see their work as perfect? I'm sure the salary they demand helps them feel better, but I think they doubt themselves as much as you may. I mean after all, what is it really that keeps those on the edge of style "on the leading edge of style?" Its drive, sure, but what fuels that drive? The desire to improve, never being satisfied, having to try new stuff, wanting to find a better way. . . ?? You follow? Maybe I have it all wrong.

Trust me, I have enough confidence issues and I look at your stuff and I think, this guy has got to be feeling really good about his work. Next thing I know I'm reading this comment about lack of confidence. So, hopefully that helps prove my point. You got it Pete, it shows and then some. You have it going to good, look at your results, after a year? How many formal years of school and how many years of assistant working did it take for those "Pros" to get to where they are? As i stated before I'm no expert, but in comparison, I'd compare you to the kid that skipped college and went pro right out of highschool! Perhaps thats a bit dramatic, But I think it parallels your situation nicely, sometimes going pro too soon is the wrong step for that person, even though their skill may be just as good or better than some pros out there. One must develope the mental side of the pro game as well. . . enough sports metaphors or borrowed advice.

I don't know about you, but what tends to bother me sometimes is that I didn't take that "formal" approach to photography, I'm all e-taught [reading on the internet] and self taught. Sometimes I think that has an adverse effect on my confidence. What do you think about that, does it bother you as well? And as stupid as it may sound, I feel like the XT sometimes is not very confidence inspiring, you too??

I don't see it Pete, I don't see what in your work could cause confidence issues - I think its all perspective on your part. But again, I'm no specialist/therapist. do you have well defined parameters in place to measure your work, I mean what would you gauge your work by if you could, the number of magazines calling you to work for them, how many models are banging down your door? what are you goals have you set, what gauges are in place? Are they realistic? just trying to get you thinking about things is all buddy. Sometimes it just helps to look at things a little differently. . . Keep your head up, from another photographer who started about the same time as you, you've left me in the dust. ;)

Oh and a little pick-me-up

“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.”
“Success follows doing what you want to do. There is no other way to be successful.”

- Malcom Forbes

“Self-confidence is the memory of success”

- Unkown

suffice it to say you've had plenty of successful shoots.

One of my favorite - John Thawley over at FM has this in his sig -
"The greater the artist the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize." - Robert Hughes

Some advice from Sophia Loren - “Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go so much further than people with vastly superior talent.”

All of these are true, the last two go together quite well actually if you think about it. . . sometimes those who are awarded perfect confidence get by not on their skill but buy the confidence they radiate. . .

[24Peter]

We are all pulling for you Peter. I can't wait to tell people I knew him when...
Judging by the fact you have had your Xt about a year, and your shoots come out the way they do, you should be pleased with your progress. Do not loose your confidence in your ability. I would hope that years down the road that you still think there is room for improvement, and that is a good thing(to quote a covicted felon), because it will only make you strive to get even better. My guess is the learning never stops. Mine has barely begun.
That's great. Thank you Rich. :)

[24Peter]

I'm no expert Pete, especially with regards to your confidence problems. . . . sometimes those who are awarded perfect confidence get by not on their skill but buy the confidence they radiate. . .
Well what can I say? Thanks Andy. You're a good guy. :) I really appreciate your support and wisdom.

Again, it feels like I'm at a jumping off point. I can continue doing what I've been doing - or take it to the next level. And that's where the fear kicks in. But also the excitment b/c the next level is more demanding and the stakes are higher (or maybe not - maybe I'm just projecting.) Now I'm starting to think about my set design - props, backgrounds, locations; wardrobe - getting cool, interesting clothes for my models; stylists - I see how important hair/makeup stylists are in pro shoots; And of course, professional looking models (not that I'm deingrating any of the people I've already shot, I'm very appreciative they worked with me. It's just fashion models have a certain look [I've been watching too many "Project: Runway" episodes - though I am actually hooked on that show! :rolleyes: ]) So I think I'm also feeling a little overwhelmed about that. It's good to compare my work to other people's but not to get overwhelmed that I'm not there yet. Andy - your suggestion to talk to some local pros is a good one I'll investigate too. Thanks again for everyone's support!

[aparmley]

Andy - your suggestion to talk to some local pros is a good one I'll investigate too. Thanks again for everyone's support!

I think they'll be most receptive to this. I think they are probably use to people wanting to know, "How did you get to where you are?" or "What should I do, what gear should I use, what do you think of these photos?" I think pros are so used to hearing that. If you make them aware you are needing some affirmation that what you are feeling about yourself and your work is ok and maybe even perfectly normal and then you follow that with those quesitons, I think you'd be surprised at the response - if they are honest that is, ;). Good luck to you Pete as you "Jump" off.

[jamison55]

Thanks Andy - I appreciate that. :)
To be honest guys, I'm having a bit of a crisis of confidence lately. I'm really setting my sights on doing higher end fashion photography but have gotten caught up in comparing myself to others with much more experience and probably much better equipment. I guess I'm wondering if I've "got what it takes." I mean there are some really, really great photographers working out there. I'm trying to be gentle on myself and recognize I have indeed come a long way in one year (got my XT last April.) But I also feel like I have a long way to go. And to make it as a fashion photographer, I feel like my stuff has to be "really special". Whatever that means. :confused:

This is still fun for me (though it can be stressful at times.) And my "B" job pays well enough that I'm not concerned about money. But sometimes I look at my stuff as kind of amateur - at least compared to what the pros are doing. I'm sure I'll work through this, but it's kinda been eating away at me the last few days. :(

Pete, this series is great. I really like the stuff on the scooter and the B&W shots that Christian already mentioned.

As for the crisis in confidence...barely a week passes that I don't think I suck, and I shouldn't be charging money for what I do, and that I should throw in the towel now before people catch on! If you're anything like me, you tunnel vision on the mistakes you make or the "man I wish id'a (used smaller aperture/lit that from the side/shot that from a slightly lower angle/ not put the $1000 lens in my front pocket before I sprinted a 50 yard dash).

But you know what, my clients seem to be happy with what I'm producing for them, and at the end of the day that's all it takes to become a successful photographer. I have seen a lot of mediocre photographers that have hugely successful businesses because they produce work (that I may not personally like) that their clients are happy with.

On the other hand, I think it's good to never be truely satisfied with your work. It gives you a drive to always try for something better!

[cwphoto]

Jamie, you're right on the money.

Keep at it Pete, you have a real talent for this sort of work. Eventually the nerves go once you have done it a few times or for a few years (although it took me about a year or two before I was really confident that I could tackle anything a a wedding could throw at me), but eventually you get to a point where you know your gig enough to know that you can deliver value to your client - yet at the same time you want to push yourself creatively to keep your personal interest and keep you sharp.

I think that's what you are getting at: you want to be at the next level where you know you can deliver the goods but still want to raise the bar every time by being critical of your own work at a level way above the client's standard.

I dunno whether this makes any sense, maybe Andy the poet can refine my ramblings?!:D

[24Peter]

Thanks Jamie and Christian. :)

So here's an example of the kind of work I aspire to do:

http://www.kathrein-photography.com/flash.html

I mean, this is awesome stuff to me (perhaps not everyone's cup of tea). So I can look at it and get depressed b/c I can't do that (not yet at least) - or inspired b/c thats what's possible and what I want to create! :)

This guy too - less polished but more attainable (he shoots with a 5D)
http://www.fotocommunity.com/pc/pc/mypics/724209

[toriaj]

IMHO your work is has more wide appeal than either of those sites above. Although your own site seems to be down??

[24Peter]

... Although your own site seems to be down??
Yeah, I don't know what's up with ImageEvent this week. Their service has been down a couple of times at least this week. Which sucks b/c I've got over 2,000 full res photos up there now that took weeks to upload. ImageEvent has been great - until now.:mad:

[JTL]

Thanks Jamie and Christian. :)

So here's an example of the kind of work I aspire to do:

http://www.kathrein-photography.com/flash.html

I mean, this is awesome stuff to me (perhaps not everyone's cup of tea). So I can look at it and get depressed b/c I can't do that (not yet at least) - or inspired b/c thats what's possible and what I want to create! :)

This guy too - less polished but more attainable (he shoots with a 5D)
http://www.fotocommunity.com/pc/pc/mypics/724209Peter:

I do like Kathrein Gunther's work a lot...but there are only three differences between your work and hers...

She has professional models
The models are wearing striking clothing
Her lighting is great

While the first two may not be attainable instantly, creating dramatic lighting is something you can start working on now. There are many ways to create great lighting effects without breaking the bank (you've read all the same articles and books that we all have, I'm sure). I have no doubt that with your great eye, you could create some pretty dramatically lit shots if you wanted...

[D Thompson]

Peter:

I do like Kathrein Gunther's work a lot...but there are only three differences between your work and hers...

She has professional models
The models are wearing striking clothing
Her lighting is great

While the first two may not be attainable instantly, creating dramatic lighting is something you can start working on now. There are many ways to create great lighting effects without breaking the bank (you've read all the same articles and books that we all have, I'm sure). I have no doubt that with your great eye, you could create some pretty dramatically lit shots if you wanted...
Peter - also add Photoshop. I hope you don't mind. This was a quick run thru this morning before work and is a little rough, but hopefully you'll see what I mean.

[rawpaw18]

Dennis,
Isn't that false advertising?
Those edits were impressive.

[24Peter]

Peter:

I do like Kathrein Gunther's work a lot...but there are only three differences between your work and hers...

She has professional models
The models are wearing striking clothing
Her lighting is great


Also great sets/production design/locations, probably a medium format camera and years more experience. :) But yes I love the use of lighting in those shots. Dramatic lighting indeed! Again - something to aspire to - or be depressed by. The choice is mine. ;)

[24Peter]

Dennis,
Isn't that false advertising?
Those edits were impressive.
Yes, quite good Dennis. I hardly spend any time editing most of my photos. How do smooth skin like that?

[aparmley]

Yes, quite good Dennis. I hardly spend any time editing most of my photos. How do smooth skin like that?

I'm having hard time remembering - you make a second layer, add a gaussian blur to that layer, then I think what you do is you mask it, then you use a technique in which you reveal the blurred mask below by erasing it but with an eraser that is set to a low opacity - there are other ways to do it, I'll try to dig them up Pete. If you are interested, take a small note pad hit borders, find some of scott kelby's photoshop books he covers a couple of them - even the photoshop elements techniques work in PS so don't worry about that, good tips in those as well.


I dunno whether this makes any sense, maybe Andy the poet can refine my ramblings?!:D

it was crystal clear, no intervention required.


Yeah, I don't know what's up with ImageEvent this week. Their service has been down a couple of times at least this week. Which sucks b/c I've got over 2,000 full res photos up there now that took weeks to upload. ImageEvent has been great - until now.:mad:

sounds like someone is ready for a Smugmug Pro account! LOL - just kidding.

Pete - it appears that you are the young boy who is depressed because he isn't playing with the older kids! ;) As plain as that may sound. . . photography related you are a youth, katherine is a seasoned pro most likely, as you stated she is working with a budget that most likely will make my yearly salary look like a joke! She has pro models, designer clothes, large expensive sets or the ability to use space where ever she sees fit. The only different I see between your shots and hers is A.] they serve a different purpose, your purpose - portraits the face or person is the subject - katherines purpose, the clothes. B.] lighting - well that about wraps up the differences in my eyes. I'm sure we could drill into the $50,000 + worth of gear at her disposal list it all for "Difference" purposes but we won't - [not to mention the long list of pros she has the luxury of probably consulting with]

I command Pete to look in the mirror and say, "I'm smart enough, I'm good enough, and gosh darnit, people like my work." ;) a la Jack Handy.

[D Thompson]

Dennis,
Isn't that false advertising?
Those edits were impressive.
rawpaw18 - gee, isn't most of the fashion models a little on the false advertising side? ;) Thanks for the compliment on the edits, although they were hurried this morning.

Yes, quite good Dennis. I hardly spend any time editing most of my photos. How do smooth skin like that?

I'm having hard time remembering - you make a second layer, add a gaussian blur to that layer, then I think what you do is you mask it, then you use a technique in which you reveal the blurred mask below by erasing it but with an eraser that is set to a low opacity - there are other ways to do it, I'll try to dig them up Pete. If you are interested, take a small note pad hit borders, find some of scott kelby's photoshop books he covers a couple of them - even the photoshop elements techniques work in PS so don't worry about that, good tips in those as well.

There are several ways to do this. One of the methods I use is this :

1) duplicate layer & run a gaussian blur, (experiment, 12%)
2) add a mask filled with black (alt + layer mask)
3) select brush tool, default colors making white as foreground color, flow set to 10% or less. Gradually brush over area taking care not to go over any areas you want to remain sharp. Be careful that the skin doesn't look plastic. You can drop the opacity of that layer to let some of original texture show thru.

There is another way where you set the brush mode to darken and paint over and then switch to lighten and do the same. This tends to really balance out a complexion.

A book I would highly recommend is Katrin Eismann's "Photoshop : Restoration & Retouching". The third edition is for CS2, 2nd is for PS7. I'd say you could use some of the techniques in Elements as well, but have never used Elements so am not for sure.

Peter - I hope this helps and will be glad to help you retouch. I do some work on Senior portraits for a photog friend to help those with "not so perfect skin".

And as Andy said - I command Pete to look in the mirror and say, "I'm smart enough, I'm good enough, and gosh darnit, people like my work." a la Jack Handy.

[Clyde]

So here's an example of the kind of work I aspire to do:

http://www.kathrein-photography.com/flash.html

I mean, this is awesome stuff to me (perhaps not everyone's cup of tea).

Well, a few things come to mind after a cursory view of his (Gunther?) site:

He has a great eye for interesting perspectives, and making odd perspectives work compositionally.

Great lighting, looks expensive.

And, in reference to another recent thread...

Dude blows the hell out of some highlights. I mean, I didn't look at the histograms on any of his shots, but damn, bet those curves don't look even.

About his stuff compared to yours... Your models look more like 'people.' You may think that he has pro models, but you have a knack for making your models look beautiful. His look like they are made out of plastic. As you say, it is a personal preference kind-of-thing, but if you want your models to look like plastic cutouts... well you aren't quite there yet.

About the self criticism stuff. It is important to always see room for improvement, but you should also try to look more objectively at your stuff, and be able to appreciate it with a more uninvolved eye. You should be able to say (and honestly) to some editor "I could make Medusa look like Angelina Jolie," while admitting to yourself that you can do better, and will do better next time.

You'll do fine,

Clyde

[24Peter]

Well thanks again to everyone for their supportive posts. (And thanks Dennis for the Photoshop tips.) I think it's hard for anyone to be objective about their own work and I've gotten some good feedback from you all so I appreciate that. I didn't really mean to come off as plagued by such personal doubt. I think I have a little more confidence than that. But I definitely have been second guessing myself the last week or so it was good to get it out in the open. The fear isn't completely gone but I am setting up a couple of shoots for next week that will hopefully be a step up from what I've done so far. I have some good ideas and now just need to assemble the parts.

As some of you may know, I'm also an amateur filmmaker (digital videomaker actually - wouldn't know what to do with a roll of film.) I just finished my fourth short video project which I wrote, produced, directed and edited. I just got a YouTube director's account which will allow me to post my videos at full length (without the director's account your videos can only be up to 10 mins.) Anyway, as soon as I get the last two projects up, I'll post a link for those who are interested.

Thanks again to everyone for their positive feedback and support. All kidding aside (I know I can be kind of goofy sometimes), I feel very grateful to have folks like you to turn to and bounce things off of. :) Now it's onward and upward!

[aparmley]

As some of you may know, I'm also an amateur filmmaker (digital videomaker actually - wouldn't know what to do with a roll of film.) I just finished my fourth short video project which I wrote, produced, directed and edited. I just got a YouTube director's account which will allow me to post my videos at full length (without the director's account your videos can only be up to 10 mins.) Anyway, as soon as I get the last two projects up, I'll post a link for those who are interested.


Cool Can't wait.


(I know I can be kind of goofy sometimes)

I knew there was something I liked about you pete! ;) Haha. I hope you let that flow when working with the models, from what I can tell you do (you tend to see it in their expressions, unless its a "Blue steel" moment LMAO), which I think would be our meal ticket - I, on the other hand, would have to learn how to throttle back I'm sure - if I am comfortable I'm out there bad! :D


Thanks again to everyone for their positive feedback and support. All kidding aside (I know I can be kind of goofy sometimes), I feel very grateful to have folks like you to turn to and bounce things off of. :) Now it's onward and upward!

(Assuming anything I've said had a little bit of usefullness) Pleasure to be here for ya, good luck! Let us know how the shoot goes.

[ReF]

Dude blows the hell out of some highlights. I mean, I didn't look at the histograms on any of his shots, but damn, bet those curves don't look even.


are you saying it's a good or bad thing?

IMO some (or many) of us photogs get too caught up in the technical aspects of photos. i actually like to see the purposely blow highlights or blurred photos every now and then.

pete, had no idea bout the self doubt. i actually thought maybe you had too much confidence. IMO it doesn't matter if you or anybody else doesn't see that your work as "the best". that doesn't mean there isn't tons of room for other talent in the business. besides photograhpy is an art which means it's all in the eye of the viewer anyways. it seems to me that your work is well accepted so you aint got nothing to worry about.

[24Peter]

... it seems to me that your work is well accepted so you aint got nothing to worry about.
Thanks ReF. :)

[Clyde]

are you saying it's a good or bad thing?


Ain't nothing but a thing. He seems to make artistic choices to sacrifice dynamic range for the sake of contrast. No prob, just an observation.

Clyde

[JTL]

Richard Avedon created one of the most successful photography careers in history by doing just that...

[Clyde]

Richard Avedon created one of the most successful photography careers in history by doing just that...

Like I said, it isn't a criticism, just an observation. It was also meant to reference a previous thread where someone got all self concious about blown out highlights. In reference to that, it was interesting to note that this guy makes a purposeful decision to emphasize contrast. If I was trying to duplicate that effect in PS7, I'd move the bars in 'levels' so that a fair amount of highlights and shadows were blown, which would expand the range of everything else, giving me more contrast. BTW, while I don't do this with my color photos, when I am getting ready to paint from a photo, I regularly shift to greyscale, and then posterize. I can tell how many values I need to tell the story I am interested in. I want to use as few as possible, because as a wise Japanese man I knew always said, "Simple is best."

This greyscale/posterize technique is an extreme example of sacrificing dynamic range for the sake of contrast.

I hope this sheds a fair amount of fog on the issue...

Clyde