Being Creative with Your Photos

Wow! I know it's been a while since I last posted. However, I have been very busy and now things should be back to normal....anyways, I just wanted to talk about being creative with your photos and taking them to the next level, but not so much "over the top!"

As a photographer and designer, when I see a picture, I always can envision what type of work that I need /or would like to do that particular image. Below is a picture of a beautiful bride...her look says it all! So what I wanted o do is create around the image itself.

In the "Top" picture coming straight out of the camera, you will noticed the image needs to be color adjusted to more accurately represent the true colors and tonal qualities of the subjects in the picture...the "Bottom" image shows the adjustments.

Next, I worked on the star of the show..."the bride" and gave her one of my famous "realistic retouches!" because the bride was already beautiful, I did not have to do much...just a bit of digital foundation, enhanced lipstick, and decreased a couple of minor blemishes... and that was it! Again, as I mentioned before, when doing retouches, they can be done anywhere from moderatley, to extreme....this is on of those moderate cases....the "Bottom" image shows the adjustments.

The next step was to make the bride and the groom the center of attention, so I created a more "depth of field" look to the image as you will notice how the ladies in the back are slightly out of focus which forces the eyes to go directley on the bride and the groom....the "Bottom" image shows the adjustments.

Finally, (I could have stopped there) but I wanted to add to the over all composition of the image, therefore, I created around the image itself....just picture this final composition as an 8x10 or 5x7 inside of nice picture frame...the "Bottom" image shows the adjustments.

And there you have it. Never be afraid of being creative!

Click on the image to view a larger view.


Chris

The Big Bad WOLF Turned #60

Last night I had the chance to shoot a 60th birthday party for a gentleman who goes by the name, "Wolf" and what a PARTY it was indeed!! He was obviously so well known, liked and loved that not only did his peers come out to celebrate his big day, but the younger generation represented as well. DJ Master T had the crowd rocking all night long!! I had a great time being the photographer as always because I had the chance to meet new people and make some great contacts.

A very special thanks to Angel and Chantel for hiring me for this event...by the way, Chantel is the young lady in the collage breaking it down on the left hand side in the black and white. And of course, most importantly, congratulations to Wolf on his 60th birthday!! I designed a special collage for everyone to see and enjoy from the party last night while I work on processing the other pictures to present to Chantel later this week... (You know me... I work fast)

If you have an event you want me to cover just contact me. Here is my email address: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net

Click on the picture to view a larger size.... by the way, ( I know that I misspelled "designed"...typo).... Chris

The Retouch Challenge...I Accepted!!

I was recently challenged by a master photographer (and mentor) to retouch a photo he had recently taken of a model. Keep in mind, this was all in FUN and keeping me up on my toes! I deemed this as an honor and accepted the challenge. Not only did I do "a" retouch, I did "3 different" ways that I could have retouched this image...OK, so I was just showing off a bit...lol! Again, this was all in fun!

Below you will see a model with lots of freckles, so the challenge was to retouch her image and keep it looking natural... below are the results. I have my personal pick , but you decide which retouch image you like the best and let me know. Here is my email address: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net Please tell me why you picked the photo you like the most.

OK, let me handle some business right quick... If you are a photographer who needs service in the retouching department, because you don't do retouching, or just don't have time, email me and I will provide you fast and professional services (not FREE) that you will be proud to show to your clients. All I need for you to do- is email me the high resolution image and I'll take it from there. Here is my email address: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net

Click on the image below for a larger view.

Photo Shoot

Hello everybody! Last week I had the chance to do a photo shoot w/a very beautiful model and just wanted to share w/you a couple of shots. Enjoy!

As always, I am available for: weddings, professional headshots, corporate events coverage, private events, family portraits, group/team photos, and casual photos. If you want to get in touch/book me for an event, just click here: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net Thanks and enjoy the blog!

Chris

Click on the images for a bigger view.

The Beauty of Photo retouching Pt.2

Hello everybody. As I mentioned in my last post about retouching photos (please read post below), the secret is to keep the talent looking as natural as possible. News FLASH!!! Most of the people who you see on the cover of magazines DO NOT have flawless skin. There are several people who put in a lot of work into giving this "flawless" appearance. In my previous post on retouching, with the permission of the model herself, I took the low resolution image (72 ppi) from online and did a very basic digital retouch. It was a very good job and the retouch was nice and subtle.

For this example, I am going to show you how different the look can be when doing a digital retouch using a high resolution photo of 300 ppi or better will come out. This is an actual photo that I took myself about a week or two ago. Here is the hypothetical situation we are going to use.

Let's say I was hired to do a cover shoot for a company and after the shoot was over, I got with the client and we narrowed all of the hundreds of beautiful shots down to this one for the magazine cover. Once again, without any retouching the model is absolutely beautiful. As I mentioned in the previous article, there is difference of depth (technique) I would do when retouching for a magazine cover that I would do vs having a generic picture for inside of the magazine. Both will look nice, but the cover photo needs to look exceptional!

Below is the example of the BEFORE and AFTER digital retouch. Notice how "Flawless"and smooth the skin looks after the retouch. Drift away into her beautiful sparkling eyes. And most importantly, notice how natural the model looks. It simply looks like the model put on her make up "Flawlessly" but she looks very natural.

Click on the image below to enlarge the picture.





Chris

The Beauty of Photo Retouching

First of all, I wanted to thank the beautiful model for allowing me to use her photo as an example of how retouching a photo works. I did not take the picture, but it was a great shot to use as an example. The Before/After photo is located at the end of this article.

This is low resolution image (72 ppi) I got online and was very proud of the out come. I took this as a challenge because, if I could take a low resolution photo and make it look nice... just imagine the results of working on a hi-resolution image (300 ppi or better) would look like. Below are some of the basic steps that I did to the image. Of course they were much more detailed, but I just wanted to touch on the basics.... Here we go.

-The first thing I did was made some color corrections to the photo to reduce the blow-out areas in the models face.

-Then I made global changes too the image itself to enhance the over-all look of the photo.

-Once the over-all image took on the appearance that I was pleased with, then I concentrated on the retouching itself. For example; removing blemishes, wrinkles, reducing "not deleting...very important" freckles to keep the model looking natural! Applying foundation, darkened her lipstick, etc.

As you can tell, the model is naturally beautiful, so she did not need much work at all. What I did as a photographic artist was enhance her natural beauty by applying digital make-up that smooths out the skin given her a flawless make-over. In other words, it looks like she applied her make-up on "flawlessly" the way you often see in a magazine. Yes, this type of work can take the photographic artist a little time to complete (depending on the complexity of the image), and can cost you a little bit of money (no you don't have to take out a loan...lol!), but the finished look is well worth every penny!

Here is the secret to digital retouching. When retouching a subject, try to make the person look as natural as possible. Now of course, this will depend on "the purpose of the photo." This example would do fine for a story inside of a magazine that you read, but if I was hired to retouch this photo for a "magazine cover"...then my approach would be totally different. But at the end of the day, it would be up to the client as to how "retouched" they wanted to look. So for me, as a rule of thumb, I keep it natural looking and go from there.

Later this week, come back and I will show you the difference when retouching a hi-resolution photo that could be on a magazine cover would look like. You know, that "flawless cover magazine look" that makes you go wow...they are soooooo beautiful!

If you have a photo you want me to retouch, email me and we'll make a connection.

Chris


Click on the image to get a bigger view of photo.

If U R Visiting my Blog for the First time...

For all first time visitors, there are other blogs and samples of my work under the "blog Archive" which is located on the right side of this page. Also, if you are looking for the link to the wedding slide show picture album, just scroll to the bottom of the page or better yet, just click right here: http://erikaanddaron.albumshowcase.net

As always, if you want to get in touch/book me for an event, just click here: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net Thanks and enjoy the blog!


Chris

Something that ONLY I get a kick out of...

As my blog indicates, I am a man of many hats. One of which is also being a professional actor. Well anyway, I was booked for a "photo shoot" myself (tomorrow) for one of the newer upscale single family home communities in St. Mary's County in Maryland. The client contacted the agency and wanted actors/models with certain looks who could pull off their message, which is people having fun and enjoying their living environment at this particular community. From what I was told, the ad will run in print and on the Internet...so that cool (I wish there was a way to shamefully plug my photography business in the ad...lol!).

Here's the part that probably only me and other photographers who are also actors will get a kick out of in such situations... I find it always odd or interesting having someone taking pictures of me doing photo shoots, because usually, I'm always thinking on the other end of the camera. But I get the chance to meet another photographer, which is always cool, steal their .... sorry, I mean, learn different techniques, and most importantly, pass my business card out to the other actors/models who may need headshots.... hehehehehe! Sorry, this is business!...lol!

Chris

Photo Shoot with Family Members Yesterday...

This past weekend was very special to me because my older of two sons celebrated his #13th birthday. So as one of his surprises (because his thinks he is the man!) I did a photo shoot for him. Also, my niece had been wanting me to do a photo shoot of her as well, so I was able to knock out two birds with one stone.

Anyways, I wanted to share a couple of photos I shot just yesterday in Winston-Salem, NC at a very nice location downtown. These are pictures of my future NBA player, Drew (AKA... "Hot Sizzle" on the basketball court) and my beautiful niece, Krissy. By the way, the little boy is my youngest, Christopher who loves his brother Drew to death....gotta love it!

And as always, I am available for booking at: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net

Just click on the picture to view bigger image.

Chris

4th of July Fireworks!

A couple of days ago, my family and I were downtown in Washington, DC and celebrated Independence Day by watching the Fireworks Display for the 4th of July...of course, I took my camera and captured some amazing shots in the pitch dark.

Here is a sample of how to take an ordinary shot and turn it into something worth framing. I thought that I would share one of the many pictures that I turned into a wall picture with graphics (you know I love photographics) so enjoy! By the way, this was not a difficult task from a graphic standpoint, but does require a slight bit of artistic expression and vision to tell the story.... Sometimes, "less is more!"

Click on the picture to view larger size.

Chris

How Sweet it is 2B Sweet 16!...those were the days!

First of all, I wanted to thank Vonda for selecting me as the photographer for her daughter's Sweet 16 birthday party. It was truly one for the record books.

Talk about MTV Sweet 16's...wow Shay, this was a very strong candidate...MTV should have been there. Lots of guest (excited young teenagers), 2 different Go-Go bands, Live DJ, Catered Food, Super Stretch Limo, VIP's of the guest, Bar Tender (Virgin Drinks Only...very nice touch!), the guest of honor (Shay) did it up really BIG Diva Style by changing into three or four different outfits before the night ended and the grand surprise... Shay got a new car for her Sweet 16 birthday!!! WOW! Congratulations! And yes, her mother Vonda made sure that Shay's shoes were very well coordinated with each different outfit!

I would have also given big-ups to a certain step-team, but they didn't show up...well they did, but when they finally showed up, their function in the party was over and events were all scheduled for certain times... oh well!

As I mentioned, I would give you a peek at this incredible event!....enjoy! Just click on the picture for a larger view.

Remember, I'm available for booking. Just contact me and we will take it from there. chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net



Chris

Sweet 16 Shoot 2night

Hey everybody, just wanted to let you know that tonight I am shooting a "Sweet 16" birthday party and will be posting pics a couple of days later. Make sure you come back.

Chris

OK...the Client has changed their mind about the Ad

I thought about this last night after I made the below post on the "magic of graphics" and wanted to show you what could be done when the Client has totally changed their mind and wants to go in a different direction with the ad... so here we go. ( you can enlarge the image by clicking on the photo) Remember, this IS NOT AN ACTUAL AD...it's only a SAMPLE design!

Let's say, the client really loves the below design, but now wishes to change his target audience from a family look to a couples attraction...here's what you can do.

Using the same design premises from the picture below, here's what I did:

* Changed the font style with a bit of special effects. This helps pull together the overall tonality of the ad design.

* Introduced a picture graphic (another image I just pulled from surfing the web) of a couple relaxing and enjoying themselves. By adding this picture, the ad now takes on "purpose" and now appeals to the client's target audience. Notice, the main selling point is still Cancun Mexico, but the attraction now calls for a romantic retreat for couples.... that's it!

By the way, remember this is a very basic ad design...yes I could be very elaborate with all the bells and whistles....but sometimes, "less is more!"

Chris


chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net

The "MAGIC" of Graphics

First of all let me say this is a FICTIONAL AD DESIGN... NONE of this is REAL...This is only a SAMPLE from a picture I found while surfing the web. To see a larger view of the design, just click on the picture.

In my last post, I promised that I would show you how you can take an ordinary picture and turn it into something beautiful through the "magic of graphics."... so here we go. By the way, this is not a step by step tutorial, (maybe next time) but rather a BEFORE & AFTER explanation.

Let's say a client wants to attract tourist to a beautiful island, and the only thing they have is a nice, but very simple picture of cruise ship taken from a resort/hotel balcony. As a graphic artist its your duty to create an ad that's very appealing....but the catch is that the client has a limited budget, and does NOT want to over do it with the graphics... So here's what you can do to create an ad for tourist with limited lead way, budget, a simple picture, and very little information to go on:

The BEFORE Picture is extremely nice (big ups to whoever took this photo!!) but very simple and by itself does not make for a great ad...it needs graphics.

The AFTER Picture:

* The first thing I did was made the cruise ship the focal point in the ad by very lightly blurring out every thing else except the cruise ship. This forces the eyes to go directly to the cruise ship.

* Next, I created a simple white border around the photo to make it "pop" and start taking shape.

* Finally, I just added some text with a bit of special effects... that's it!!

Now you've gone from a simple picture to a very attractive (not over the top) graphic ad design that gives the client exactly what they want!


Chris


chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net

Later this week...the Magic of Graphics!

Come back later this week to see how to take a normal picture and jazz it up through the magic of graphics, and make it look very attractive and worth a Million Dollars!

Chris

Photography Technical Talk

From time to time different photographers will ask me about technical info regarding the graphic work that I do and other things about photography in general, so I thought it would be a great idea to share with other photographers one of my key sources when it comes to getting a full understanding of how things work. Just click on the link below and get in the loop. Anytime that I get stuck and confused, I can depend on my good friends at Photography-Solutions. Here's the link. Enjoy!...... Chris

http://www.photography-solutions.blogspot.com/

It's HERE!! The complete Wedding Story of Erika & Daron (Just click on the RED Link below)

Hello everyone... thanks for all the great comments on the wedding pictures. Well the moment that you all have been waiting for is finally here!!!! Just only a week ago, I had the pleasure doing the photography for Erika & Daron's wedding in Winston-Salem, NC... the very next day, I posted a collage from the wedding as a teaser of what's to come.

One week later, I am pleased to present to you a beautiful story of two wonderful people. This story will be told through my camera lens and the special moments I captured of Erika & Daron.
Just click on the link below and watch the story unfold in front of your eyes..... enjoy!! Please feel free to pass this link to all of your friends and leave comments about the photos and the story told via my camera lens.


http://erikaanddaron.albumshowcase.net


Chris
For booking informtion, email: chrisjamesphotography@comcast.net

UPDATE on Erika & Daron's Wedding Pictures

Hey everybody...here's the deal. My attempt to have the wedding pictures up today obviously is not going to happen. I have been experiencing some software issues with one of my graphic programs that I use... However, there is a chance that I will have things posted online by some time on Friday ( tomorrow, 4/4), but "with out a doubt" this weekend!! But check back periodically on Friday to see if things are up and running... Don't worry, the design and the picture layout is going to well worth the wait.... 100% promise!!!

Thanks for your understanding... Hey on the brighter side of things, how many other wedding photographers try to give you an un-heard of 1 week wedding picture turn-around???..... I don't know of any. You are normally looking at at least a month or two... I am attempting to do this in a week or less time. You will soon see and learn that I do things that separate me from other practitioners.

Chris

Pictures of Erika & Darons Wedding...

LOL!! I know 2day is Thursday, pictures from Erika & Daron's wedding are forth coming... don't worry. Check back sometime late this evening. I've had to make some technical adjustments... but it will be worth the wait. Also, most importantly, I need to track down Erika and Daron so they can preview the design & pictures first, then I will release the (secured) pictures... Its' the right thing to do.

Now, I am off back to the lab!

Chris

Testing out "Comments" section on Blog.

Some people who I know have been telling me that they have encountered problems with leaving their comments, so I "THINK" that I have solved the issue.... I think!... go ahead and give it a try!

You can leave comments at the end of each blog just after you see, Posted by Chris... (CLICK ON THE COMMENTS BUTTON).

Chris

Erika & Daron's Wedding Collage

CONGRATULATIONS!! Erika & Daron... way to go! Thank you very much for giving me the chance to shoot your wedding. I had a tremendous time and the wedding was a huge success! Everyone who I spoke with was very excited about either being in the wedding or simply attending. GREAT JOB!!

As promised... here is your surprise! I designed a wedding collage just for the both of you from your special day (this is just a small {Chop House} taste of what's to come). To see a larger image, just click on the collage..... Now get ready for this.... Everybody return to my blog on this THURSDAY (May 3, 2007) for a fully completed Album design of the entire wedding!! This is going to be amazing!!!! The both of you had so many great moments and took such incredible photos together, this is going to be one for the record books!

To make things easier on everybody, just copy/paste my link to this blog or add it to your favorite links. Feel free to share this link with all of your friends so that they can enjoy in this special moment of Erika & Daron. Everyone please feel free to leave comments to share about the wedding photos under the "comments" button. By the way, the comments button is located at the end of the post just after you see, "Posted by Chris..."

http://www.chrisjamesphotography.blogspot.com/

Again, Congratulation Erika and Daron Patterson!

Chris

The Day Before the Wedding Shoot in NC

It's Friday morning and I am about to head to North Carolina to shoot the wedding of Erika & Daron. I am very excited and can't wait... its gonna be FUN! So, I am going over my last minute "things to check off list." Lots of batteries for the camera, camera lenses are cleaned, laptop fully charged, etc.

Don't forget, the wedding itself is on this Saturday (tomorrow, 4/28) and come back to my blog the very next day (Sunday, 4/29) for a special surprise!

Until then, A B Cya!

Chris

Make sure to pass my blog link (copy/paste) to all of your friends to check out Erika & Daron's special day...{ http://chrisjamesphotography.blogspot.com/ }

As Promised...samples of my Photography

OK... so I just may be hooked on this blogging... only time will tell. Having said that, I promised a couple of samples of my photography style... so enjoy some of these shots. Let me know what you think.

Chris

Traveling To NC from MD 2 Shoot Wedding...

I am trying to get a hang of this "blogging" and so far so good. I will be sharing some of my photography in the next couple of days, if not sooner. I will also be feeling in the blanks to the "get to know me portion" of the blogging... by the way, I am traveling to NC to shoot a wedding on this coming Saturday, and will be posting a pictorial collage the very next day (Sunday, 29)... yeah, I said the next day... I work fast!

Chris

Testing This Blog Thing Out!!

I am excited about this "blog thing!" Lots to talk about, but for now, this is just a test to get things started.

Chris

PS: Big Thanks 2 Paul for giving me the in-site and inspiration for getting started!