Nik Color Efex

so i wanted to write a blog about my love for Nik Color Efex filters
gahh perfection

the filters take photo editing/manipulation to a whole other level
the first image is the original image i took of my model calvin
i had no idea what i was going to do with the image
so i decided to go a light model look
and then a darker look that would blend it with my AP concentration theme

the second frame of the image i applied two layers of the Dynamic Skin Softener tool, the first layer went on well but didn't get rid of all the pores and imperfections on his cheek so i went in again with another layer and this time it gave him a flawless almost doll like appeal

after the two filters i went in and used the Eye Enhancer action tool to brighten his eyes

the third frame i decided i wanted to take a different route and flaunt his imperfections

i went in to the color efex system and used the bleach bypass tool to give him the grity appeal on his skin, after using that i went back in with the eye enhancer tool just to give his eyes a grey like quality and tada! we have a grity grungy picture

enjoy!

The Perfect Ballerina

so recently for my AP concentration i decided to focus in
on the one body part i hate the most

...feet.

my friend taylor who is a dancer was gracious enough to allow me to photograph her feet, i loved the photographs during the shoot and fell in love with them during the editing process even more

i think these photos have really made me refocus on my concentration and where i want to take it

White on White.

so our photo assignment last week was for white on whites,
for this assignment i wanted to go a different route
featuring a black male model in white paint

the photos overall i am pleased with
they came out extremely abstract, something i wasn't going for
but in the end i am pleased that they did
because it gives them that "huh...interesting" factor

one of the major issues i have with the photographs is that they didnt turn out
exactly "white on white" like the assignment asked for
i think the problem stems from me
1. not setting my ASA on 200 (sorry chapp)
2. using harsher lighting then intended

i am happy with the my angles and composition, and overall concept for the shoot
i wanted to go outside of my typical "pretty model" ideas and doing something kinda different
this was one of my first times shooting exclusively with a black model and i loved so much
that i plan to shoot several black models for my ap concentration

A Hard Bargain.

our assignment for last week was silhouettes
for this shoot i had the idea not to use human models
but birds instead

...no they aren't real

what i like about this photograph
the composition, i love how the bird is off to the side
i love how the frill of a tutu i used to produce a interesting middle ground
between the black background and the actual birds

now what i don't like
the exposure sucks big-time,
silhouettes for me by far i think have been my toughest to shoot because getting a perfect
light-reading for me was nearly impossible

i think the position of my spotlights was off and the light came off harsh in some areas
and too soft in others

overall i can live with this shoot but it is not one i am particular proud of,
better luck next time!

What's In.

meet josh beech
he is a 22 year old london model
is who leading the pack in the "tattoo you" craze
which has fashion mags featuring models with sleeves of tattoos

instead sleeves of satin


josh has been featured in burberry ads
and was the first cover boy for the highly anticipated vogue hommes
the international vogue for me

i am in love with this guy
so much that i had to post a blog about him




just enjoy the view.

The "New Me" Power Point.

The Size Issue.

so V magazine is issuing its first "size fits all"
issue january 16th which features plus size models along with some other skinnier models


i am so excited for the issue to hit stands not only because
it features a positive outlook on plus size women in fashion
but also because it is inspiration for my AP concentration


the human body

the photos above shot by
are an amazing example of shooting all different body shapes
in a positive light

as much as the inspires me i want to do the total opposite

i want to explore the human body for all its negatives

its shape

its form

the way it moves

i want to photograph all body shapes big and small

young and old

confident and insecure