Being inspired by Christopher Appoldt...

I spend a good deal of time looking at the work of other people, not because I want to copy what they are doing, but to get the creative juices flowing, to be inspired.

How others are using light, to see their posing techniques, and the kind of post processing they use will often spark ideas for new projects.

One photographer that inspires me is Christopher Appoldt.

I really like how he lights his portraits, how he photographs animals, and the wide range of subjects that he covers.

Both his work and his client list is pretty impressive, be sure to stop by his website and blog to see what he is up to and to be inspired.

Here are a few images from Christopher Appoldt, click on them to view larger and in a new window.

Mark April 17 & 18 on your calendar...

And not just because your taxes will finally be done.

These are the dates of a two day workshop that will be taught by Joel Grimes. This photographic learning extravaganza will be held in our new 2,000 square foot studio space here in Biddeford Maine.

WORKSHOP OUTLINE:

• Taking your creative vision to the next level

• Recognizing your greatest asset.

•Developing your personal vision.

•Promoting yourself as an artist, not a technician.

•Keeping up with the industry trends.

•The basic fundamentals of lighting.

•Breaking the established rules.

•Experimentation is the key to innovation.

•Hands on lighting demonstrations.

•Capturing the image is just the beginning.

•Mastering Photoshop is a necessity.

•Some tricks of the trade.

•Keeping it simple.

•Marketing, competing in today's marketplace.

For complete workshop details and to reserve your seat visit the workshop page here.

Click on any of Joel's images to view larger and in a new window.

I'll give you double your money back...

I recently watched the movie (again), Taking Chance.

I implore you to watch this little known, seldom seen story about taking a fallen soldier home.

It's not pro war, it's not anti war... it is about honor, dignity, and respect and tells the story of the final trip home for those who have given it all because they were asked.

Chance Phelps died in Iraq in 2004 and this movie is about his final trip home.

I promise that if you rent this movie you will be moved, and if you're not, if you think it was a waste of your time simply drop me an email and I will give you back double what you paid to rent it. Becuase I think it's that important.

If you are a subscriber and don't see the video trailer pushed through, come back to the blog or view it on YouTube.

A fun layers exercise/tutorial...

I came across a Photoshop "cracked and peeling" tutorial and thought I would give it a whirl.

Now I realize that very few (okay more like none) of our clients would ask for this but it's a good way to try (and learn) new things and expand your Photoshop skills.

Here is the finished image (click on it to view larger):


I took the original image -


and using layer masks overlaid it with a dried mud texture -


then took a small piece from a rust texture -

You can get these textures (and many more) for free over at CGTextures and you can walk through the step by step tutorial here.

Giving your client a tattoo...

While doing a maternity shoot the "expecting" grandmother said, "wouldn't that look cool if he had a tribal tattoo" and while editing I looked at the shot and thought she was right.

So I applied the tattoo and emailed it to her, she was thrilled.

(click on either image to view larger & in a new window)

Below is a video tutorial on how it is done in just a few minutes, you can find another tutorial here, here, and here as well.

You can also find video tutorials on how to remove tattoos here and here.

And the winner is...

The winner of "The Evolution Collection with FLO" from Jed and Vicki Taufer is...



(subscribers - make sure you come back to the blog to view the video or watch it on YouTube because videos still are not pushed through with your subscription, sorry)

Happy Valentines Day...

In the spirit of the day, I hope you love and are loved... today and everyday.