My Quick Image Enhancement Technique

Before #1

Over the years I have developed a certain photographic retouching style that I use to distinguish my images from other photographers.  Recently, I have had several photographers ask me to explain how I create these effects on my images.

After #1

 

So, I've decided to share my tips and tricks on how I enhance my images by producing an HD tutorial video that I've uploaded to my video sites (see links below).  If you are a photographer and want to following along with the step-by-step instructions I give in the video here's something you need to know. 

In order to create images like the ones you see in this post you will need to have Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and the Portraiture plug-in loaded on your computer.  If you have questions I have provided contact information so you can contact me for answers. 

Enjoy!
Willie 

Adobe.com [Photoshop & Lightroom] 

Imagenomic.com [Portraiture software]

Before #2

After #2

To see larger images of the samples above click one to start a slideshow.

YouTube Link 

Vimeo Link

Passion Realized

Thirteen years ago (when life wasn't so busy) I had a passion to learn how to paint in watercolor. In fact, I promised myself that if I ever retired I wanted to learn how to proficiently paint in watercolor as my next venture. I've always been intrigued by the pencil marks on the paper, how different layers of paint could be seen on top of each other, and how unique each brush stroke represented something not entirely recognizable. To me watercolor painting is just as meticulous as photography. Both require precision, you have to watch small details, and you need to master your craft. Watercolor VS photography = a draw.

Thirteen years ago when I took my first watercolor class at an Adult Education school, the teacher was so terrible at instructing I was left with total frustration and disappointment. So, I packed up my supplies and stored them away until now when the passion once again reignited in my mind. Since the move to Georgia and the subsequent closing of the studio, I've had lots of time on my hand. Well, two weeks ago I enrolled in a watercolor class and this time I'm not giving up mastering this medium. No, I'm not giving up photography...I'm just seeing it through different eyes now. Painting has actually heightened my sense of how to create some awesome images.

I want to share some of my latest works so you can see that I will not quit my day job, but I am having fun; that's what painting is all about. Hopefully, as I get better at this you will have seen where I started and how far I have advanced. The whole point of this posting is: "Don't give up on your passions. They can become realized at the right time".

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double click images to enlarge viewing]

"Camilla Blooms"

"Barn Owl"

"Backyard Tree"

"Flowers In Vase"

"Cattle Drive"

"Sand Dunes"

"Basket of Fruits"

"Mushrooms"

Tools: Watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, & Crayon markers.

Best Time To Shop

Oct/Nov/Dec

• Major appliances
• Furniture
• Rugs
• Linens
• Bedding
• China & glassware
• Housewares
  

Still VS Video - The Blurring Line

Some amazing things have been happening in the digital photography world. Still cameras have been endowed with the ability to shoot high definition video as well as still images. Leading the way in this phenomenon is the Canon 5D Mark II. I've seen some videos created by the camera and it's mind blowing what it is capable of creating! The HD video clips are captured at 1920 x 1080 resolution on compact flash cards.

In reason months I've seen the lines between still photography and videotaping blurring into one medium. Instead of avoiding this convergence of styles in photography I'm embracing it with much enthusiasm. The only difference is that as a still photographer I'm gravitating to understanding the video side of the spectrum. So, with the recent addition of video to our photographic services I'm pushing the envelop on my video equipment. That's how I came upon with the idea of photographing a portrait session by using my video camera as a digital SLR.

After reading the specifications on what size images my Sony HDR-FX7 video camera can capture to a memory stick, I scheduled a shoot with my makeup artist, Krystal Cordo. I was amazed at the quality of the results and wanted to share them with you. The neat part about this experiment is that the following images were taken while the tape was rolling. So, I ended up with both high-definition video and still images in one shoot and from the same camera lens and angle.

Because the video camera was set to high-definition,
all of the images are horizontal, wide-screen format.

Although it was a steamy day,
Krystal's makeup was impeccable.Surprisingly, all of the images were sharp as a tack.

To see a slideshow of all the images, click PLAY below:

Useful Household Tips

• To speed up the flow of sink or tub drains, pour down a cup of baking soda, then a cup of white vinegar. Flush the drain with a gallon of hot water after a few minutes.
  

Useful Household Tips

• Remove ink stains on leather furniture with hairspray. After it dries, wipe away stain with a mixture of vinegar and water.
  

Useful Household Tips

• Remove wax from carpet or clothing by placing several paper towels on the wax and applying a warm iron to absorb
  

Best Time To Shop

July/Aug/Sept

• Appliances
• Furniture
• Paint
• Lamps
• Rugs
• Carpeting
• Curtains & Drapes
• Linens
• China & Glassware
• Garden Equipment

Another Panorama

The final panorama from the images below.

One of the neat things I frequently like to do at weddings is to create panoramas. Here's the latest one from Loren Hayes' wedding at Jacaranda. This is a 180 degree look at the vow exchange from the audience's view left and right of the gazebo. Below are the actual images that make up this panorama.

Enjoy!

Willie

Free $40 TV Converter Box Coupon

Months ago I converted my regular TVs over to digital in anticipation of the June deadline. If you haven't done so and plan on buying a converter box soon, then have I got a deal for you.

Be the first person to call the studio at (954)921-7959 and I'll give you a free complimentary $40 TV Converter Box Coupon. That means you'll save 50% off the purchase of a converter box. All I need is your mailing address.


Willie

Panther Attack At High School Track Meet

Witness scenes of this vicious attack!!

Click on link below:

The Panther Strikes!

Another AT&T Ripoff!

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little tired of discovering all the ways big companies are ripping us off "dollar by dollar"..."penny by penny". I'll tell you, with the economy the way it is I personally scrutinize EVERY bill that comes into my home or business. Why? Because in the good ole days: a bill was a bill. You just paid it; no questions asked.

Okay, I confess that like most Americans I just didn't pay that much attention to all those line items (my bad). Now (in these "hard economic times) I'm beginning to realize how many little petty charges companies like Bank of America, AT&T, FP&L, and only God knows who else who have been sticking it to customers like me and you. Here's the latest "let's stick it to 'em" I've discovered.

Since I have AT&T Internet service at work I figured it would be a great deal to have it at home, too. So, I signed up for the Ultra service because the speed was faster than the Lite they're always advertising. For months now I've been paying the bill and not noticing what was being itemized in the Internet portion. I was more concern about controlling long distance charges that my family members might rack up.

Anyway, I recently noticed a $5.00 Home Networking Plus charge on my monthly bill. I thought the additional charge was for our wireless connection because we have laptops galore among five family members. I contacted AT&T service and asked about the charge. Well, a very smooth talking service representative came on the line (after a zillion phone prompts) and told me that it was part of my DSL service charge. I told her that I didn't ask for this service and why did I have to pay for it. (Here comes the "stick it to 'em"). She said that if I upgrade my Ultra service to the Extreme 3.0 service I wouldn't have to pay the five dollar charge.

Now, if you're following this story closely you already know what's about to happen here. I did, too. So, I asked, "Is the upgrade free?" And, the answer was emphatically: "No". I politely asked (in my "could you rip me off some more" tone of voice), "How much is the Extreme 3.0 service?" Ms. Campbell said, "$37.95.

Okay, let's see if I can figure this out? If you look at my bill below you'll notice that it's the SAME price as what I was paying for the Ultra service. Hmmm?
In addition, Ms. Campbell told me that the Extreme service is much faster than the Ultra service. At that moment I honestly broke out into laughter. In fact, Ms. Campbell started laughing, too, especially when I said, "That's what I'm paying NOW. So, in reality I'm still going to be giving AT&T $5 dollars". (That's right, Buddy). Although I was sarcastically laughing out loud, in the back of my mind I wondered why AT&T carried on this type charade for a few bucks. Then it dawned on me: $5 bucks time a couple thousands or million customers per month could equal some SERIOUS revenue.

So, Dear Readers, if you have AT&T Ultra service I advise you to IMMEDIATELY upgrade to the Extreme 3.0 service. You're getting ripped off!!!! Call: 1-888-757-6500 and at least get something for your $5 bucks. If you're lucky you may get Ms. Campbell and the two of you can have a good laugh as she upgrades your service.

Enjoy!

Willie

Happiness Vs Sadness

"Happiness is free...Sadness comes at a price"

Willie