Show and Tell

So, it's been right about 6 months since I started pursuing photography in a more serious fashion than just random objects and waterfalls.  I've grown to enjoy it and the chaos it brings.  It allows me to devote most of my attention to the subject at hand. 

I've learnt that there is much more to taking pictures than just pushing a button.  There is usually scouting involved.  This is where you check lighting, framing, and angles.  However, lighting is rarely the same, but it's good to go in with a plan.

Camera settings are a whole other ballgame that I don't feel you require an explanation from me, considering there are people way more qualified to speak about than I am, or ever will be.

If these two areas are in alignment, then one would think that the pictures would just happen perfectly, but that is rarely the case.  The last ingredient is the moment.  The ones getting their picture taken hve to overcome the apprehension and loosen up, so you can see who they are and how they interact...  their dynamic.  This is where having a good assistant comes into play.  Luckily for me, my wife is great at this, in this area that I lack.  I will usually have an overall feel that I want the pictures to possess.  But it is my wifes area of expertise to get them to loosen up and not be stressed.  You will be amazed at the boost someones mood can give the pictures.

With all that being said, here are my favorite pictures from this year so far... in no particular order

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forge ahead

Now that I've finished shooting the wedding, I will be tied up through next week doing post on the photos.  After that, I've got a couple family portraits to do when I get time, but other than that it will be full steam ahead on the set shots.  I expect "The Cellar" to wrap by the 3rd week of November, and I've got a quick little set up to do for "Insomnia."

I imagine I will be taking a break from shooting through the holidays, in order to refocus and gear up to push through next spring.  There is so much planning to do on some of the more simple scene shots that you don't really think about, until you're knee deep in it.  I love it, and couldn't think of a better career for myself.

Just remember...  you're only as good as your worst shot.

The Cellar

If you ask anyone that knows me, they will more than likely tell you I tend to obsess over details.  This usually isn't favorable when it comes to arguments or stress.  However, when it comes to fabrication and visualizing, it is both good and bad.

 

Here is where the "Cellar" set is.  Construction is almost finished and now all that is left is SFX, airbrushing, and light work. 

 

The whole idea of this set is create the feeling of a cellar that serves as a dungeon for keeping a prisoner.  It is imagined that a serial killer lives above, while he keeps his hostage down in the cellar, under the stairs in a haphazard cell.

 

I plan to do a reprise of this set, where the captive actually kills the captor and escapes.

 

I'm also going to explore the different emotional states that someone would go through during this whole ordeal and frame the pictures in that manner.

Cellar Project

Greetings everyone, I've been gone on a hiatus taking care of some business...

However, that doesn't mean I've been slack.  I've actually been cranking out pictures and trying to develop my own style.  With that being said, I feel it is time to start channeling my efforts into themed photography...  more specifically...  into horror photography.

Here is a rough 3d set, which is going to be built in the next few weeks.  After construction is finished, there is going to be countless hours in special effects and airbrushing.

See, my goal is to take a couple hundred pictures, with different poses, lighting, and angles, so those involved willl have a good stock of images for their portfolios.

Regardless, the idea is that someone has been kept prisoner under the basement stairs.  Tortured almost to the point of becoming feral, but still has a sense of defeat and hopefullness at times.

Cattywampus

In the not so distant dystopian future that lies in wait for us, I wonder how many times we question ourselves about our part in it...  or better yet, do we even have a part in it?

Experimentation leads to new techniques

So, I came across a new style/technique for photography called HDR (High Dynamic Range), and it is basically shooting the same picture three times (or more), with sequential underexposure on one, one standard, and overexposure.  Once you have your .jpegs or .raw, you then merge them together to get a much rather different picture. 

The best way I can explain it is this:

This is your standard, run of the mill picture, taken with a Canon EOS T3i.

The picture above looks normal, right?  No post processing has been done to it, nothing.  Now, below is the exact same picture, except it has been taken 5 times, each one with a different exposure setting, then merged into one picture.

Immediately, you can see the depth and vibrance exhibited in this picture.  It took me a while to actually soak it all in and notice the subtle nuances.  Was I looking at something surreal, like what I imagine my dreams look like, or was it some sort of optical illusion?

See, the fact that the human eye can detect, subconsciously, atmospheric and light changes that are minuscule, the camera lenses just can not do that.  In many ways, the eye is capable of adjusting the exposure as it pleases and at far greater detail that even the most expensive cameras. 

While I know some of you are going to call shenanigans and say it was photoshopped, I will agree.  All pictures were merged into the same picture.  However, there was no tweaking of adjustments, no filters, no airbrushing.  This is an actual picture.

The Introduction of CrossLight Photography



It's somewhat anxiety producing, yet euphoric at the same time, when you step out of your comfort zone and just assume a different personality.  That personality is of becoming a photographer, professionally.  While I'm not sure if this is an end goal, but it is exciting to say the least.

So far, I've shot waterfalls and architecture pretty steadily for the past 5 years, as a past time.  The reasoning behind the new direction comes in the form of obtaining a dream camera, and having opportunities presented to me that spoke volumes to me on the part of a higher power and a God that is directing my path.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deliriumstudios/

Right now, I've got the first family shoot finished.  I have another family shoot coming up later this week if the rain holds off.  Maternity photos coming down the pipeline some time, and engagement photos in September.  I feel this will get me mentally prepared for shooting a wedding in October.

I'm hoping that as these shoots progress, and word of mouth begins to travel, my skill with a camera will hopefully begin to eclipse my skill with a computer.

So, as it stands right now, I've started to focus most of my energies into this profession.

While that means I will not have much time to contribute to Desolation, I feel that in the long run, it will allow me to create a better visual experience for the viewers of that film.

Full Circle

It's been a while...  So, let me get caught up on relevant information, then I'll share something with you...

First off, go buy the new album from Meshuggah, Koloss.  You're welcome.

Secondly, get on Netflix and watch Ip Man 1 and 2.  You're welcome, again.

So, I have started pre-production for Desolation, and I'm seriously considering altering the name to Annihilation/Desolation or A.D. for short.  Too pretentious?  I have to admit though, I have been dragging my feet with this project.  Mainly because I have gotten distracted by going back to the gym and if any of you know me, I don't do things half-assed... usually.

Still hunting for a couple of artists and programmers, but I'm not trying to rush it.  If it happens, it will happen and be a completely open working relationship.  Heh.  Voices are pretty much taken care of, as well as pre-viz.  Still need to go cave dwelling and get some good reference pictures, so if any of you know of some abandoned mine shafts, let me know.

Finally broke down and got a new camera, which actually arrived today.  A Canon EOS Rebel T3.  We will see how well it does in the next comple of months, but I'm sure it has to be better than the crappy Fuji S1000 I've been trying to pawn off as a good camera.

Brand hammer new computer as well.  I was trying to clean the fan on the other one and accidentally popped out the 204 pin connector for the CPU...  Let this be a lesson, never clean anything other than your body and clothes.


Ok, now that is out of the way...

Around the Corner

Well, three more weeks and I'll be done with school.  I still have a metric ton of stuff to learn and do, before I feel ready and marketable to a company.  But in all honesty, I think I may go back to writing for a while.

Or maybe I'll just freelance.

Who knows...

Quarterly Business Forecast

Ok...  that's rather misleading, but I thought it fit the bill.  I'm starting to put together a new theoretical soundtrack, which always means...  c'mon kiddies...  it means...  That's right!  A new story is in the crock pot.  About all I can tell you at this moment is...  it's americana.  At least the soundtrack is going to be! 

I'll keep you posted as it progresses some and share where it is going, but right now, I'm thinking...  it's gonna be a road trip straight to hell, or suicide.  Whichever comes last (drumroll.)

Here's the inspirational soundtrack, that I habitually do before beginning any massive undertaking...

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD522F166C88B1C99