Michaela Jones - 1st Photo Shoot

Michaela's first session in front of the camera came as a per chance meeting at my front door when she came at the request of her mother to ascertain sitting information about my family portraiture sessions.  After giving her my business card with the promise to email her mom a link to my information I asked her in parting if she had ever modeled before.  Here reply was that she hadn't but everyone was suggesting she should get it a try.

So, I made her the offer to photograph her first session for free and here we have the results of her first attempt at modeling.  I think she has the right stuff and with a little practice and more sessions underneath her belt, who knows?  She just might be the next "Top Model".  Great job, Michaela!

Enjoy!

Willie

[Click any image to see an enlarged version slideshow]

 This is my favorite image of Michaela because a lot of retouching when into 

making this shot "perfect" which included removing automobiles and traffic signs.

Maybe it's me, but I can see a slight resemblance to a young Jennifer Lopez in some of these shots.

 Every model has their favorite image from a session. This one is Michaela's.

This is the "Runner Up" to my favorite image shown above. Michaela looks awesome.

 

To see a video of this photo shoot go to this link:  Michaela's Shoot

Stills:  Canon 30D w/17-55mm IS
          Canon 10D w/70-200mm IS
Still Post:  Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop CS3
Plugin:  Portraiture Professional
Video Post:  Sony Vegas Pro 9
Slideshows:  Producer 4

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

Victoria Csikany - Session #2

This second session with Victoria almost didn't happen.  After a couple of cancellations I was getting a little frustrated because the first time she and I got together for a short test shoot I knew another session would be beneficial for her experience.  Well, it came down to the fact that I needed to provide transportation to the shooting location.  No problem.

For this session I gave her the opportunity to wear an outfit that she wanted to be photographed in, but my main idea was to capture a shot of her wearing a dress in a field around the time of sunset.  We started at a local gazebo, briefly stopped at the railroad tracks on the way to the field, and wrapped up everything in the field as the sun was setting.  Perfect "sweet lighting"!  Great job again, Victoria.

Enjoy!

Willie

Cameras:  Canon 5d w/24-105mm IS & 30D w/70-200mm IS

Post:  Adobe Lightroom & CS3

Slideshow:  Producer 4

Flash:  Doug Box Softbox w/Canon 550EX

Click image to enter slideshow mode

Victoria is Hungarian by descent and is absolutely gorgeous in photographs.

This is one of the envisioned images I wanted to create of Victoria.

To see additional images of Victoria's session click here:  Victoria