Professional Photography: From Film to Digital with Nathaniel Warren
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Professional Photography: From Film to Digital with Nathaniel Warren
Veteran
photographer, Nathaniel Warren from St. Louis, Missouri, demonstrates the
difference between the digital age and the age of film in photography. Warren accomplishes this comparison using the
Graphflex Century Graphic, the Graphflex Crown Graphic along with various
accessories for picture processing and then comes full circle with the Nikon
DSLR D200.
Professional Photography: From Film to Digital with Nathaniel Warren
Professional Photography: From Film to Digital with Nathaniel Warren
Monday, August 4, 2014
What Type of Photographer Are You?
If I was given a nickel for every time I'm asked that question..well I'd probably never need to take my camera out of its bag! Now, for starters this question does not irritate me. As a matter of fact, this very question helped me discover what kind of photographer I am and where in photography my passion truly lies. When I first began this journey, I took pictures of everything in sight; flowers, trees, skies, buildings, food, dogs, cats, bugs, people, even the ground. Since my love for photography, you know having to be out in the elements and all, I'm on the way to recovery from a very serious bug phobia. I mean, I can't exactly run from every flying and crawling thing during a shoot or my clients will think I've completely lost it. Taking pictures of people is great, really. I get the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and since I'm an on-location photographer, it's exciting meeting my clients at different venues and parks for their shoots.
On-location photographers are not confined to a studio. Oh no! We're too uninhibited for that! The great outdoors is our studio and it boasts endless opportunity for dynamic backgrounds. This is when I'm in my element. My element does however come with a price. You see, I had a choice to make: Learn and appreciate the great outdoors and suffer a few bug bites or let the burning desire to follow in my father’s footsteps as a successful photographer just die? The choice was easy. It was mid-morning on a Saturday in Forest Park where I took Tommy, a sixteen year old athlete’s photos. It seemed like the hottest day of the year so I knew bees and other bugs would be a huge problem. So, here I am trying to keep it all together instructing him on various pose compositions and bees are zooming past me and around me, little wings tickle my ears and fuzzy puffs flirt with my nose. I didn't know if I should swat or shoot! Oddly enough, I wasn’t as concerned with the bees and the bugs as I was focused on him. I normally choose park photos because the scenery is serene and it’s the one place where bugs aren’t my focus – the landscape is. Through people, I’ve discovered that my feet rustling through the grass, swatting clusters of tiny flying insects, seeing random people walking their dogs and park waters reflecting in the Sun is what makes dragging my camera bag, tripod, lenses and umbrellas, up hills, around corners, down streets and through bushes just to get that shot, worth it.
I learned through fear how to appreciate nature and all of her friends. So, when people ask me what kind of photographer are you? I answer honestly. I love taking pictures of people but landscape photography is my heart. The love for landscape helped me to overcome a fear I’ve had for a very long time. A fear that kept me confined to the house, a fear that made me watch from the screen door as my daughter play outside, a fear that would send me running like a thousand horses, a fear that found photography so that I could find me.
What Type of Photographer Are You? Find out here!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Using Photoshop: How To Extract An Image From It's Background
Do you want to make a color photograph black and white? Turn
white clouds pink? Or how about put the head of a giraffe on your husband’s
body? Maybe you want to remove age
details from a client’s face or sample their complexion to prepare the image
for an airbrushing technique? What about
the ability to remove a scar or that mole on your face that’s been with you for
years? The Photoshop photo editing
software by Adobe allows much freedom for photo manipulation and improvements. These are just a few examples of the
limitless possibilities lying in the belly of Adobe’s Photoshop.
A photographer’s ability to change the background or manipulate an image is a skill every photographer should have. This blog post will provide step by step instruction on how to extract an image from its original background in Photoshop.
A photographer’s ability to change the background or manipulate an image is a skill every photographer should have. This blog post will provide step by step instruction on how to extract an image from its original background in Photoshop.
1. Access Photoshop
from your program files location or from your computer's desktop.
2. Press <File> <Open> or Ctrl+O to
open a new file which in this case would be an image. Photographs are normally found in your downloads or picture folders. For best
results, be sure the photograph is of professional quality.
3. Double click on
the photograph you wish to edit. It
should now appear in the workstation of the Photoshop program.
4. To protect the
original details in the picture, make a copy of the image in Photoshop by
clicking the <Layers> tab and select <duplicate layer>. Another dialogue box will appear asking you
to name the duplicated copy of the photograph.
Often times, I use the default <Background Copy>. Duplicating an image is a good habit to
practice when editing photos in Photoshop.
This ensures the original photograph is not altered; only the copy.
5. You are now ready
to begin the process of extracting a photograph from its background!
6. Make sure the image layer is selected by
clicking the <move tool> in the tools panel. Click the photograph once then hold down the
left mouse button and select the <quick selection> tool. Begin to trace the portion of the image you
wish to extract from the background.
This process can be tedious if you’ve never used the <quick
selection> tool before.
7. If you happen to
make an error in your selection choice, this can be adjusted by holding down
ALT (-) while using the selection tool.
For example, you may have selected some of the background around the
head of the image. Don’t fret! The ALT
key is your best friend and can fix any error in your selection choice.
Photoshop is a very powerful program. Extracting a photo
from its background doesn’t even scratch the surface of this image editing
powerhouse. Practice makes perfect is key here! Have fun J
Monday, July 14, 2014
June 13th Photographic Adventure
The day started with a thunder storm warning for St. Louis City and County. It was no match however for my passion for photography that sits in the pit of my stomach, anxious to snap a shot. I gathered everything: water, snacks, umbrella and my camera bag. Walked out of my front door to meet hot, sticky, stuffy weather with still wind. The plan was to meet my father at the Hanley station metrolink so we could ride the train downtown to Kiener Plaza. I wasn't the only one suffering from the heat that day--my car was too. My car with the burning hot leather seats marinating in the sun with not a crack in the windows waited for me but I'd left a light on overnight and the battery was fried. So instead, my father pulled into my driveway behind my car and he, my daughter and I began our long awaited photographic adventure down my street.
We stood on the bus stop and waited 35 minutes for the 45 to arrive. We reminisced on my childhood and how adventures were prevalent during my youth. We stood under an overpass in the shade occasionally glancing down the street anxious for the bus to arrive. The 45 looked a lot different than the buses I remember as a teenager. The fare was more expensive for one but the seating was different with an elevated rear and smaller seats. Father and daughter, together and packed tight with photographic equipment. He was a wedding photographer for a number of years so we didn't have to ponder very long about this adventure.
The Hanley Station as expected was jammed with people all coming or going to their respective places. We waited for the train going downtown. 40 minutes later we were getting off at 10th & Olive which spit us out at the City Garden. Chocolate bronzed child friendly statues align the parks landscape. There are people seated under umbrellas, chatting and eating, soaking up the shade. The sun is bright! It rained long enough earlier in the day to make it hard to breathe then went away. There's a statue of a lady sitting on a plank in the middle of the water almost as soon as we walk up the stairs. Her breathtaking beauty made my dad and I focus our lenses simultaneously. She's silver dusted nude with hair like the Medusa and seems to be falling from some unknown place. We spot a water park which sent my daughter into a frenzy, anxious to get wet. I told her to go for it! Like a bird taking flight with her arms out and mouth open, she ran through the cool clear water head first dancing, spinning and giggling. I captured every laugh, every spin and every turn of her merging with the wonderful waters of City Garden.
Later, we stopped at two of the many food trucks that embellished the streets of downtown. My father had an Italian sandwich and my daughter and I shared chicken tacos. My daughter has a sweet tooth like my mother so she bought a piece of chocolate cake. The cake was saran wrapped and was melting before she unveiled it. It was a moist cake with fudge chocolate topping and was gone in 2.3 seconds. We then headed toward Kiener plaza. Surrounded by soft red waters cascading up and down positioned directly in front of the Federal Court building is a memorial dedicated October 12, 1966, through a steel-company executive of German descent, Harry J. Kiener (1881-1960). As an amateur sportsman he ran the half-mile on the U.S. track team at the 1904 Olympics held in St. Louis during the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. He held the Western Amateur Athletic Union record for that distance for several years. The statue, known as The Runner, by William Zorach, stands in the midst of the Plaza’s pool and fountain. Kiener Plaza and the Morton D. May Amphitheater today host sports rallies, concerts, festivals and other special events.
After taking numerous shots there, we sat under a tree across from three homeless people; two men and a woman. I found myself having pity on them while they watch passerbys live a life that's not theirs. But I also envied them for having front row seats daily to the diversity, culture and beauty beating the gorgeous grounds of Kiener Plaza. After a few minutes, we headed toward Locust street and found another small park with concrete benches, another statue and an army of flies! The small park sits across from the library downtown. Lilac and white flowering trees with large hanging leafed branches almost made me forget that I was outside. That is until I noticed the flowering trees were infested with flies; sitting flies, flying flies, pesty biting flies. We went into the library to freshen up and wash our hands before heading back home on the train.
This day brought back so many memories of my childhood. Often called adventures, my mother and father always had something up their sleeves to show us kids that you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy family time. I'm glad my daughter got to be apart of an experience she will remember for a lifetime-- even better, with a person who has inspired and supported me beyond belief; my father.
Check out some of the images below! Be sure to visit and like Gem in i Photography FB page! https://www.facebook.com/Geminiphotandgd?ref=hl
We stood on the bus stop and waited 35 minutes for the 45 to arrive. We reminisced on my childhood and how adventures were prevalent during my youth. We stood under an overpass in the shade occasionally glancing down the street anxious for the bus to arrive. The 45 looked a lot different than the buses I remember as a teenager. The fare was more expensive for one but the seating was different with an elevated rear and smaller seats. Father and daughter, together and packed tight with photographic equipment. He was a wedding photographer for a number of years so we didn't have to ponder very long about this adventure.
The Hanley Station as expected was jammed with people all coming or going to their respective places. We waited for the train going downtown. 40 minutes later we were getting off at 10th & Olive which spit us out at the City Garden. Chocolate bronzed child friendly statues align the parks landscape. There are people seated under umbrellas, chatting and eating, soaking up the shade. The sun is bright! It rained long enough earlier in the day to make it hard to breathe then went away. There's a statue of a lady sitting on a plank in the middle of the water almost as soon as we walk up the stairs. Her breathtaking beauty made my dad and I focus our lenses simultaneously. She's silver dusted nude with hair like the Medusa and seems to be falling from some unknown place. We spot a water park which sent my daughter into a frenzy, anxious to get wet. I told her to go for it! Like a bird taking flight with her arms out and mouth open, she ran through the cool clear water head first dancing, spinning and giggling. I captured every laugh, every spin and every turn of her merging with the wonderful waters of City Garden.
Later, we stopped at two of the many food trucks that embellished the streets of downtown. My father had an Italian sandwich and my daughter and I shared chicken tacos. My daughter has a sweet tooth like my mother so she bought a piece of chocolate cake. The cake was saran wrapped and was melting before she unveiled it. It was a moist cake with fudge chocolate topping and was gone in 2.3 seconds. We then headed toward Kiener plaza. Surrounded by soft red waters cascading up and down positioned directly in front of the Federal Court building is a memorial dedicated October 12, 1966, through a steel-company executive of German descent, Harry J. Kiener (1881-1960). As an amateur sportsman he ran the half-mile on the U.S. track team at the 1904 Olympics held in St. Louis during the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. He held the Western Amateur Athletic Union record for that distance for several years. The statue, known as The Runner, by William Zorach, stands in the midst of the Plaza’s pool and fountain. Kiener Plaza and the Morton D. May Amphitheater today host sports rallies, concerts, festivals and other special events.
After taking numerous shots there, we sat under a tree across from three homeless people; two men and a woman. I found myself having pity on them while they watch passerbys live a life that's not theirs. But I also envied them for having front row seats daily to the diversity, culture and beauty beating the gorgeous grounds of Kiener Plaza. After a few minutes, we headed toward Locust street and found another small park with concrete benches, another statue and an army of flies! The small park sits across from the library downtown. Lilac and white flowering trees with large hanging leafed branches almost made me forget that I was outside. That is until I noticed the flowering trees were infested with flies; sitting flies, flying flies, pesty biting flies. We went into the library to freshen up and wash our hands before heading back home on the train.
This day brought back so many memories of my childhood. Often called adventures, my mother and father always had something up their sleeves to show us kids that you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy family time. I'm glad my daughter got to be apart of an experience she will remember for a lifetime-- even better, with a person who has inspired and supported me beyond belief; my father.
Check out some of the images below! Be sure to visit and like Gem in i Photography FB page! https://www.facebook.com/Geminiphotandgd?ref=hl
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Hibiscus Gallery of Art - Smooth Jazz and Canvas Pizazz
January 24 - Smooth Jazz and Canvas Pizazz
Hibiscus Gallery of Art founded by artist and owner, Beverly Jones (B.J.) of Saint Louis, Missouri, is situated on the historical grounds of downtown St. Charles County. Deep set cobblestone and soft lighting aligning the narrow curbs and people calmly walking their dogs only accent the already captivating décor of this artsy establishment. On assignment, I knew walking in that this night would definitely be a night to remember. The gallery, well lit with soft jazz sailing from Bose speakers invited me into the relaxing aura of this art filled space. The sweet smell of Jasmine and Peony teased my senses from décor appropriate Scentsy warmers. I watched as B.J. prepared for her clients' arrival with ease and a smile.
A few hours later, thirteen friends escorted by way of limousine sophisticatedly celebrated life and yet another milestone with an evening of champagne popping, wines, cheeses, desserts and laughter topped with an overflow of creativity and good times. I now understand the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words," but you need to see for yourself! I've provided a link to the album I created on Facebook on my company's page: Gem in i Photography and Graphic Design and a link to Hibiscus Gallery of Art company's page on Facebook.
Hibiscus Gallery of Art offers classes and workshops: Painting With a Sip; Blues, Paint and Beverages; Girls Nite Out; Couples on Canvas..Date Nite With Your Sweetheart; Wet Paint and a Workshop for Kids!
https://www.facebook.com/HibiscusGalleryOfArt
https://www.facebook.com/Geminiphotandgd
Hibiscus Gallery of Art founded by artist and owner, Beverly Jones (B.J.) of Saint Louis, Missouri, is situated on the historical grounds of downtown St. Charles County. Deep set cobblestone and soft lighting aligning the narrow curbs and people calmly walking their dogs only accent the already captivating décor of this artsy establishment. On assignment, I knew walking in that this night would definitely be a night to remember. The gallery, well lit with soft jazz sailing from Bose speakers invited me into the relaxing aura of this art filled space. The sweet smell of Jasmine and Peony teased my senses from décor appropriate Scentsy warmers. I watched as B.J. prepared for her clients' arrival with ease and a smile.
A few hours later, thirteen friends escorted by way of limousine sophisticatedly celebrated life and yet another milestone with an evening of champagne popping, wines, cheeses, desserts and laughter topped with an overflow of creativity and good times. I now understand the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words," but you need to see for yourself! I've provided a link to the album I created on Facebook on my company's page: Gem in i Photography and Graphic Design and a link to Hibiscus Gallery of Art company's page on Facebook.
Hibiscus Gallery of Art offers classes and workshops: Painting With a Sip; Blues, Paint and Beverages; Girls Nite Out; Couples on Canvas..Date Nite With Your Sweetheart; Wet Paint and a Workshop for Kids!
https://www.facebook.com/HibiscusGalleryOfArt
https://www.facebook.com/Geminiphotandgd
Friday, January 3, 2014
Life Through The Lense
Since Winter break from work and school, I've had quite a bit of time on my hands to familiarize myself with some technicalities of photography and to shop. Let's just say I've kept my father, my bandwidth and my bank card pretty busy!
One of the things I've enjoyed the most about my new found love is shopping for camera supplies on Ebay. I received in the mail this week, an external digital speedlite flash by Yongnuo, a deluxe flash bracket by Bower, a Vivitar wide angle lens with macro, a Vivitar 2.2 professional telephoto lens, a set of four Vivitar close-up macro lenses, a hard tulip lens hood, and a 5 piece digital filter kit by Bower. As you can see, I've been in heaven this week! I couldn't wait to try my newbies on and when I did the results were breathtaking. I grabbed one of my favorite bracelets from my ridiculously excessive supply of jewelry and snapped a shot with my macro lens. The details in the bracelet are breathtaking! I've posted a link below to the bracelet for your viewing pleasure :-)
As for more photography adventures, I discovered the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum located at 3415 Olive, 63103, in downtown St. Louis. This is the only museum in St. Louis dedicated exclusively to photography. Every first Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., they hold special exhibitions focusing on the art and science of photography. I didn't make it this Friday but the next one is scheduled for Friday, February 7 at the same times. To make sure I don't miss the next 11, I've plugged my calendar because like my favorite song by the rock group Aerosmith, "I don't wanna miss a thing." Until next time,
Your Moments. My Life.
Sylvia
Gem in i Photography and Graphic Design
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=239193339582618&set=a.233783113456974.1073741855.231945676974051&type=1&theater
One of the things I've enjoyed the most about my new found love is shopping for camera supplies on Ebay. I received in the mail this week, an external digital speedlite flash by Yongnuo, a deluxe flash bracket by Bower, a Vivitar wide angle lens with macro, a Vivitar 2.2 professional telephoto lens, a set of four Vivitar close-up macro lenses, a hard tulip lens hood, and a 5 piece digital filter kit by Bower. As you can see, I've been in heaven this week! I couldn't wait to try my newbies on and when I did the results were breathtaking. I grabbed one of my favorite bracelets from my ridiculously excessive supply of jewelry and snapped a shot with my macro lens. The details in the bracelet are breathtaking! I've posted a link below to the bracelet for your viewing pleasure :-)
As for more photography adventures, I discovered the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum located at 3415 Olive, 63103, in downtown St. Louis. This is the only museum in St. Louis dedicated exclusively to photography. Every first Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., they hold special exhibitions focusing on the art and science of photography. I didn't make it this Friday but the next one is scheduled for Friday, February 7 at the same times. To make sure I don't miss the next 11, I've plugged my calendar because like my favorite song by the rock group Aerosmith, "I don't wanna miss a thing." Until next time,
Your Moments. My Life.
Sylvia
Gem in i Photography and Graphic Design
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=239193339582618&set=a.233783113456974.1073741855.231945676974051&type=1&theater
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Art Museum Photography Exhibit
I attended with my father, an exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum on Friday, December27, 2013. In the exhibit named "The Weight of Things" was the photography of Americans Paul Strand (1890-1976) and Emmet Gowin (b.1941). The setting was well lit and the walls adorned with dynamic photography from these two talents. Paul Strand took lots of pictures of his wife and family members and made them into an art work. Strand also developed his own film using special technique to get the results he wanted in the pictures. Emmet Gowin loved landscapes and had a few pictures of people. This adventure was very inspirational to me as my father is a professional photographer. Although he hasn't taken professional photography for a number of years, the knowledge he has still exists and couldn't wait to resurface. In addition, he taught me lighting techniques and guided me on our picture taking adventure. Good times.
The Weight of Things
The Weight of Things
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