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

Some of My Artist's Favorites

Over the years I have photographed a lot of people and things and because of this opportunity I have hundred of thousands of images in archive.  Just the other day I was looking at removing some of them off one of my laptop when it dawned on me that some of them were my "Artist's Favorites".  I've always felt that within each photographic session I should try to create at least one Pulitzer Prize image.  That is an image to stand the test of time.  

So with that premise I've made a superficial search through some of my old client files and come up with a few images that I feel impressed me as what I would call a favorite.  My photography career goes back to 1968 and surely I have lost previous images that might fit into this category because they were either on film or transparency stock.  Nevertheless, here are a few recent images that I'd like to share for the time being.  Maybe I'll write another posting and display some more images from the past (and present).

Willie

Enjoy!

Click on Images to enlarge previews

Glidecam 2000 Pro

As our video services grow for the studio and more and more clients are coming to us for premier video coverage of their wedding and events, we are constantly adding new cinematic equipment to make our work stand out from our competitors. One piece of accessories that I'm truly excited about is our purchase of the Glidecam 2000 Pro camera stabilization systems used by both film and video makers (glidecam.com).

So what does a stabilizing system offer a videoartist? As explained by Glidecam Industries: "These hand-held and body-mounted camera stabilizers create super smooth shots, and allow the operator to walk, run, go up and down stairs, shoot from moving vehicles, and travel over uneven terrain without any camera instability or shake". I'm certain that you've seen these stabilizers in use during major sporting events as the cameraman floats in and out of the action while capturing some breathtaking footage. Well, we want to offer our clients the same experience in our video service. I've already test driven the system and it's proving to be the type improvement that is going to enhance our video products.

[Click on this link: Glidecam Test to see a brief video of the test]

Look for more postings and video sessions showing the Glidecam in action. Contact 706-650-8676 if you have an event you want covered with professional video.

Enjoy!
Willie

The Art of The Portrait

The Art of The Portrait
by Willie L. Hill, Jr., CPP


Candace Booker

I start by looking at the spiritual soul of a person. We all have it, but for most of us it is well hidden, guarded or disguised. The invitation to let someone enter into this inner sanctuary is the essence of a great portrait. That’s what I’m after...I want to intertwine and exchange our personas. Next I select the proper theme, background, lighting, and photographic equipment. Then I blend these ingredients into a prevision of what I want the final image to portray. Embrace the inner person. See what you’ve never seen of yourself. Delight in the discovery of who you really are. There. The charades are gone; the walls are down; you are who you are.

Thank you for letting me share my creativity with you. It happens every time I press the shutter. Tell us if you want to experience a personal relationship with our photography.

Call us at (954) 921-7959 or visit http://www.portraitcorner.com.

Inspiration guaranteed.

More of Jaime...

Several blogs back I posted images of Jaime. Once as she was performing at a concert in Miami and the second time on a green sofa in a next door neighbor's business. Since then we've had the opportunity to work together again on another brief photo shoot. This time we chose two local venues that were just around the corner from the studio: The front porch of the Dania Chamber of Commerce and an Italian bistro restaurant (Tuscany Caffe) just across the street from the Chamber. Both facilities are located at W. Dania Beach Blvd. and SW 1st Avenue.

I asked Jaime to bring along two outfits and she made some great choices that worked well with both locations. For the first set of images in the chair and laying against the wall I used both a small strobe and a silver reflector to add fill light into Jaime's face. She was back lit and this was the best way to illuminate her face which was virtually in shadows. The other set of Chamber images were created with available light and a silver reflector held by Dana off to the side.

Finally, the images at the restaurant were created entirely with available light and a small silver reflector that Dana used outside the restaurant to bounce light back into Jaime's eyes. The owner of Tuscany,(Amedeo Paparoni), gave us free use of his restaurant (in between customers) and invited us to come back again for a future photo session. I think his staff and customers enjoyed the session more than Jaime; she did draw a crowd. I wonder why?

A small flash mounted on the camera provided fill light.

Post-production enhancements
gave a glow to this image.

A good knowledge of sun and flash synchro techniques
are paramount when shooting in bright sunlight.

I LOVE tight face shots that
draw you into the subject's eyes.

I used the front door of the restaurant as a simple backdrop.

An opened front door, a chair, and soft
lighting provided an awesome shot.

This image and the remaining images were
all created by sunlight coming in
through the opened front door.

This outfit worked well in the warm colors
of the restaurant's interior.

There were tons of great shots of Jaime
on this shoot, but this is my favorite.I told Jaime just to chill....

A great ole fashion look!

To see how the restaurant images were made,
click on this youtube link: PAW6110

Don't forget to give a good rating or and a comment if you like the video.

Jaime gets better with each photo session we have, so I'm hoping to use her often as we practice lighting, posing, and camera techniques. Then I'll share them with my clients and fellow photographers. There's nothing like having a model who works well with you and your ideas.

Enjoy!

Willie


Location: Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce & Tuscany Caffe
Camera: Canon 30D with 70-200mm IS lens
Flash: Canon 580EX II
Pizza: Tuscany Caffe