Over the next few posts I want to cover what I consider to be the key to believable compositions and that is creating shadows. If the shadow an object casts looks off to the viewer’s eye, then the image will scream composited. If you introduce an object into a scene, then that object should be lit from the same … Continue reading It’s in the Shadows…
Cheat Sheets Hot Keys. For years I used the drop down menus and interfaces in PhotoShop. When I started using hotkeys my workflow was cut in HALF. Yes, I’m serious. I became twice as fast at editing when I learned them. At first hotkeys are a pain in the ARSE. You have to stop, pull out your … Continue reading Feelin’ hot hot hot…
I remember when I was a newbie learning photography, I read every review and asked every human being on the planet about cameras and equipment. You wanna know what I ended up with? Gear I didn’t like, nor use. (You saw that one coming didn’t you?…) There is nothing worse than purchasing something, using it twice or finding out there is “hack” … Continue reading Tools of the conceptual portrait trade…
I have shared this forward to so many of you. If you have ever been to any of my mini-clinics or speaking engagements you have heard me talk about my favorite places to learn conceptual PS techniques on the internet. I cannot stress this enough… keep your skills fresh and you will never run out … Continue reading My favorite tutorial YouTube channel…
One of the biggest reasons I felt a tug to create the “Sharing It Forward” campaign was support and camaraderie. The biggest gift this conceptual journey has afforded me is interacting and getting to know some amazing, talented, brilliant, jaw-dropping artists. The support and confidence they have gifted me has been priceless. Show me one successful, … Continue reading My Artistic Tribe…
As promised, I would like to share with you part two of yesterday’s post on how to put together a conceptual portrait. I wanted to show you a conceptual portrait that was much simpler to put together, in order to show you they don’t have to be elaborate, post-production works. This image is one of my most requested prints and … Continue reading The making of “Well… That Was Easy”…
Some of you may have seen this at one of my speaking engagements or mini-clinics. I wanted to post it here because it is a great overview of how I plan and execute a conceptual portrait. First, I want to remind you that PhotoShop does not make you a conceptual portrait artist. This particular image … Continue reading The Making of “The Princess and the Dragon” from The Magic of Literacy Series…
I started this blog, “Sharing It Forward”, for two main reasons. To create a community of learning and a community of support for fellow artists and photographers. Part of supporting one another is having someone point out where you can make improvements and help to keep you on your journey of improving in your craft. Anyone who has ever put their ideas “out there” will … Continue reading Dealing with self-doubt and “Why your critics don’t count”….
The topic of conceptual portrait is HUGE. As you get into learning techniques it will almost feel like you have come over the hill and before you spreads the Grand Canyon. It looks GINORMOUS when you are standing on the edge of it. The more you learn the more you want to learn. Before you jump in, I … Continue reading Three steps. Lights, Camera, and Action … in that order…
I have been doing web development, graphic design & advertising for about 20 years. I have been doing performance, portrait and fine art conceptual photography for about 3+ years. I am making the following points in hopes that my experience with this issue will set your mind at ease. I have never lost a portrait … Continue reading Should photographers use Photoshop? The great debate…
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