Capture One – Photogeek Blog

An Unexpected Education

Finding your Zen, Friendship, Happiness, Studio Photography, Uncategorized

07-17-2016 Manya K5010IManya K. I was sitting with my friend going over the weeks sessions when I half jokingly said, “You’re going to put me in the poor house.” The remark was in response to his pointing out the next expensive item I needed to invest in. Being that the last six or so months had seen me purchasing a new camera, a lens, photo software, a sturdy tripod, new umbrellas and a studio light to name a few. It seemed a proper reaction. Then I thought about the education he’s been giving me and I suddenly found myself eating my words.

As I took a moment from my mason jar of home-made tea. I thought about how much time and effort has been invested in bringing me back and making every studio session better than the last through honest critiquing and continuing building blocks. And I continue to book shoots and regularly use the tools and knowlege given. My confidence builds, allowing me to have more creative control and in the end, satisfaction. For now I’ll keep my “thank you’s” to a minimum and use my time to listen, learn and appreciate. 感謝、私は残っています。

Thursday Session with Nicole

Beauty, Canon lenses and equipment, Capture One, Fashion, Model Mayhem, Natural Beauty, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

It’s been over a week since I had the pleasure of working with Nicole and I’m still buzzing over what was one of the most positive experiences from start to finish. Prior to our session there were numerous emails exchanged regarding the overall look and feel I was looking for. During those brief exchanges we seemed to bond. Building a trust as well as an overall excitement regarding the session. There was an energetic, yet laid back nature to the two or three hours we spent shooting. The studios energy was kicked up a few levels as Kevin and eventually his wife Dawn worked as assisted in various capacities including lighting, style and wardrobe. As for Nicole. She was a total rock star from start to finish. Everything for her “Go For It” personality to her fiery red hair to her startling blue eyes. Made this particular shoot one to remember. Thanks to Nicole and the best neighbors a person could ask for. The far left was shot on a seemless background using a beauty dish and a 72′ umbrella fill light.The center image on a floor to ceiling concrete pillar the same lighting. The far right image was taken on the roof using a white reflector.

Consistency Counts

Beauty, Comparison, Editing, Fashion, Fashion Portraiture, Model Mayhem

When I posted a shot of Friday’s session on Facebook over the weekend. It definitely turned a few heads. The attention was both positive and appreciated. It wasn’t until this morning that I was questioned about my decision to edit it. While I liked the original. I thought a ounce of editing would do it some good. Then came the critique about consistency and how, if something ain’t broke. Don’t go trying to fix it. It seemed harsh at the time, but when explained, it made a lot of sense. I had the perfect light and settings from start to finish. There was no explainable reason for the change, other than change. To close, I’m learning a lot and it’s not always easy getting over old habits. Learning that a critique is aimed to both help and improve one’s work. How, listening is often better than talking. Below Left is the original file. On the right, my retouch.

Learn as I go.

Capture One, Damion Photo, Fashion, Fashion Portraiture, Model Mayhem, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

With the help of a good friend and fashion forward photographer. I’ve embarked on a new project that hopes to connect my rock and roll background with his years of experience in fashion photography. In the time II’ve spent learning from him. I’ve come to realize that I’m in the midst of starting over. In recent months I’ve invested in new new studio gear, software and as of yesterday. Purchased a new camera in the Canon 5D Mark III. Fridays session was shot tethered through Capture One and was shot entirely on a tripod. Shooting from the tripod allowed me to better communicate and interact with the model while spending less time fumbling with the camera. The choice more than quadrupled my production in half the time it would take otherwise. The path is set. Everything starts here.

Piece by Piece. Day by Day.

Anxious, Damion Photo, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, James Damion, The Art of Studio Lighting, Uncategorized

As I find myself working harder and harder to point my way back towards becoming a full time, or at least more consistent studio photographer. I feel my doubts and insecurities reaching a boiling point. The combination of learning new things while unlearning others that once worked just fine for me and many of the people I worked with. With shoots being booked and sessions coming in. I find myself overloaded with information and ideas. I have to admit, it’s a little overwhelming.

As I was setting up for a upcoming shoot and getting familiar with some new software, gear and switching up backgrounds. I had to stop, take a deep breath and step a bit back to find comfort in some older sessions to remind myself “You got this. You can do this.” I can always go back to the things I already know and relied on, but that wouldn’t get me anywhere but where I already am. In order to grow you have to learn, take chances and try new things. In order for me to continue doing what I love. I have to get past my anxiety fear of failure. To quote a wise green guy. “There is no try, only do.”

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