Photo editing

I insist on editing photos before they go out the door. Some knucklehead decided that means somehow I am a lesser photographer and decided to share that with a model I shot. She cancelled her appointment with him (thank you!), but I thought it strange that someone would think they would get in a model's good graces by denigrating another (clearly superior-really) photographer. Ironically, this joker's photos look like they were over-photoshopped by a half blind kindergartener. Wierd.

Anyway, in case someone wonders about my policy, it is based on the fact that I want my customers to get the best possible photo. To me, it would be irresponsible not to edit the image as it represents me and my work. That's one reason why I don't give unedited photos - even if someone buys a CD of the images (something I try to convince them not to so that they actually print and show the photos), I provide the edited work only. How many photos of the same shoot does someone need anyway? I know I never send someone 40 pictures from the same set (unless it is a wedding). I send my favorite few, and those are the photos that I might print. I also print for relatively cheaply because I want people to have the photos where they will enjoy them.

I figure there are enough craigslist photographers out there who will take snapshots and provide them on CD. My business is different, much more customized to each client.

Just thought I would throw out the explanation so I can point back here if it comes up in the future.

More editorial photography

I have gotten a couple of more bites at editorial work recently. I soooooo prefer editorial and advertising photography. It is about being around like minded folks, interested in making the most artistic photos possible.

Portland Monthly, where are you? Give a young brother a chance, come on. Show me some love. Oregonian or Statesman, I am here for you too - just give me some artistic freedom, and I will make pictures that people will take time to look at.

Anyway, several meetings coming my way, so I hope they pan out! In the meantime, I am almost done editing the pin up stuff, though I don't know that I will post any of them on flickr. Just too much of other folks' influence in the shots taking from my personal vision. I like pin up, but I want to give it a modern edge - less cheesecake just for the sake of cheesecake.

Anyone out there interested? At the last pin up session, I ran into a woman who had to be 6 ft., buff, and had a really pretty face. Her ink and pink hair make her interesting, so I hope to work with her a little and create some cool work.

It will have to be a couple of weeks, because I am taking a much needed vacation. Speaking of which, anyone wanting photos on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon, drop a line. My in laws have a beach house, and I can shoot there any weekend I am not otherwise booked.

Pin up shots

Did another shoot with GoGo Amy and her pin up class at Cherry Redd today. 10 women. It was fun. Should have some of those shots up this week.
Adam

Gear

I know that gear is probably one of the least important things in creating a picture, provided the gear is reasonably decent. I have been futzing with pen and tablet sets forever, using an 8x6 Wacom until it got jittery. I got another brand, and it was really crappy. Right clicking was virtually impossible, and then it developed some strange double click behavior.

Anyway, this new tablet is cool. It works and does not get in the way. I gotta get back to printing some books today. Take care - Adam

Technorati verification post

Technorati Profile

Editorial photography

Here is a shot that was not used in the current Bend Living spread. I can see why they chose shots that show more fashion, but I think the model looked great in this one.



Anyway, thought I would post it here.

Printing photographs

I am not sure why I have a portfolio anymore, as it seems like most jobs come from the internet. There is something to be said for viewing a print though. The detail, taking time to look through the photo, texture, etc. I love portfolios, but I am not so sure I like spending all of the time creating them. I enjoy the final product but not the process - I was not a darkroom fan, much prefering the creative time in front of the camera.

I love digital. I know hard core film buffs that will argue, but I really don't care. I enjoy this workflow and, aside from the more tedious editing and storage tasks, really believe that digital has helped by forcing people to be more creative. Technical prowess is no longer sufficient, so it makes me look more closely at the creative choices in front of me.

Today, on this fine, slushy Oregon day, I am making a fashion portfolio, which I will use to solicit some fashion work and for senior photos.

I got a book on using my iPhone, and it is letting me use some cool tools to access other peoples' blogs, feeds and podcasts. I am digging this thing, though it has its faults. It is a little slow, and managing content is not as simple as it should be. But, the complete access to the internet is a huge plus. Want to know what movie is playing? Fandango, right there - optimized for iPhone. News? Zillions of options. Photography? Lenswork podcast and a few others that are good as well. Viewing photos...not so much. No flash player on the browser, and flash is how many photographers show online.

Anyway, it is a little boring to go through and print everything, so this post is me procrastinating. Gotta get to work!
Adam