Wednesday, April 20, 2011

HDR workshop with Trey Ratcliff information

WELCOME! SIGN UP AND JOIN Trey

Hello! This class will be entertaining and helpful. He will spend 3 weeks (9 hours over 9 classes) going through everything from the beginning until the end. Join him!
By the end, you’ll have all the techniques and skills to take your photos to the next level. 
If you wonder how to create stunning HDR images, then check out the information at the link below and sign-up to take the on-line workshop with Trey.  Many of my images posted are HDR using techniques I learned from his material.
This is an HDR image of the hotel lobby from my recent trip to Orlando, Florida.  It is the lobby of the Omni Resort and the lines and shapes immediately captured my attention.  It was captured using the Nikon D300, 35mm f/1.8, and Induro Monopod.
HDR Hotel Lobby

Omni Resort, Orlando Florida
The second image is an HDR image utilizing the same techniques but I created a more artsy painterly look.  I utilized a combination of Lightroom, Photoshop, and HDR Efex Pro by Nik.

If you want to try something different, I suggest investigating HDR imaging.  There are some that are over done with an extreme artsy look and others where the effect is so subtle that it is nearly impossible to see that the image is an HDR image.  Below is a link to Trey's book on HDR.






High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank

Contact dr Frank to photograph your wedding, portraits, or special event.

Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.





Monday, April 18, 2011

Orlando Florida - Travel Photography - Wedding Details

Omni Hotel Lobby
Orlando Florida - Travel Photography - Wedding Details


Another busy but fun week traveling and photographing while traveling.  Last week I was in Orlando, Florida and had time to capture some fun shots.  The first image is from the lobby of the Omni Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Typically, when I arrive to a venue I grab my camera and start to walk around looking for unique items that I believe would make great backdrops or interesting stand alone images.  Immediately when I saw this section of the hotel, I knew I wanted to grab shots of this beautiful art and design.  Not only would this make a beautiful backdrop for portraits but it would make an amazing two page spread background for the wedding album.  Although I new I wanted to capture these shots, I didn't shoot these images until very early the next morning.  When I was walking around, the hotel was very crowded (near lunch time) and I didn't want to interrupt the other hotel guests or interfere with the lunch crowd.  I have a habit of waking up very early and walking around looking for unique images and these types of shots are easier to capture early in the AM.  


Wedding Album Two Page Spread
Both images were shot on a monopod (I wasn't carrying my tripod) to avoid camera shake since I shot multiple images to create an HDR image.  I modified the white balance on each image to create a different look and feel.


Both images were shot with the Nikon D300 and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens.  I use the Induro AM25 Monopod because I like that when collapsed it is approximately 16 in. not counting the ball head.  This makes it a very portable mono pod and fits easily in a carry on bag or on top of my main camera bag.   I used Nik's HDR Efex Pro plug in for Lightroom to create the composite image.  (Keep in mind that if you travel with a monopod or travel tripod, expect your bag(s) to be searched.  Allow extra time for security checks, delays, etc.. Your mileage may differ. :-D )


The final image is a close up of this amazing art work but is not an HDR image.  I used the monopod to steady the shot.


Wedding Photography Background
Although these images are in the lobby of the beautiful Omni Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Many hotels have beautiful lobbies and other areas that make amazing portrait backgrounds.  Take the time to walk around the lobby of the venue and look for unique angles or combine a unique angle with amazing lights and create your own scene.


One final note about lighting.  This art work is amazing by itself.  However, its beauty is enhance by creative lights that were above and to the sides of the art. I am positive that without the creative lighting, this art piece would not have made such an impact on me.


There is no doubt in my mind that many folks will walk by this beautiful artwork but will never notice it.  As a photographer, it is critical to notice detail, lighting, and more important, possibilities.  Be creative, have fun, and enjoy the beauty of life!