Gilbert Photography

This was a Friday adventure!  If you take a class from Wendy Schultz then you have the privilege of becoming part of her “alumni” and she arranges an adventure once a month with any students that are here in the valley.  So, this is what we discovered and it was cool.  VERY COOL.  It was nice to meet others that have taken the class and officially meet Wendy too.  I have “talked” with her in many ways except in person until Friday!  I look forward to many more Friday adventures!

Photoshop it

Ever said or heard the term, “…just photoshop it!” !  I hear it daily and when doing a photo session, I hear it at least three times in an hour.  It is a common term because of a misconception. I am here to tell the truth about Photoshop…  everything takes thought, time and talent (and money). The world has turned to Photoshop (PS), our culture depends on it.  If we didn’t have PS, how could cosmetics sell, how could print ads/beauty articles make money?  PS is used to make the plain and simple look amazingly beautiful.  Watch this from YouTube and you will see what I mean… (pay particular attention to the second half)  Dove Evolution

So you noticed that the first part is all about hair and make-up and lighting, then came the photo session.  It is after the photo session that PS was put to work…  Her eyebrows were changed, her neck grew, her lips became fuller, eyes wider/larger and her hair darker and thicker.  There in lies the misconception-everything can be done, created/changed in Photoshop.  While that may hold true, somehow the value has been diminished.  What exactly does that mean when somebody says those three words?  Does our world know PS as a “fix” so we all start to use the term, “Photoshop it” meaning fix it… make me look thinner, make me look beautiful, make that not so green grass look lush and scenic, etc.?  As you saw in the movie, things were fixed but were they ever broken?  What was wrong with her real beauty?  What is wrong with real beauty?  (topic for another day, I suppose)

In PS, there are layers upon layers upon layers…  actions and more actions.  PS is amazing and the things that can be done are amazing.  Creating is something photographers love to do-its why we are behind the camera, whether we work with PS or not.  Some PS users complete their style with PS, adding textures, colors, etc.  What I am talking about is the reliance on PS as a means to create/complete a photo.  Nowadays, those simple words, “just Photoshop it” are said as if it is a simple change, a click on the mouse or a moment in time.  The assumption is that PS will make XYZ better…  PS is still a skill, a learned process with many errors and mistakes.  Photoshop takes a lifetime to learn and while you are spending your lifetime learning it, things are changing behind and ahead of you.  : )  PS is truly an wondrous tool and it can add so much (or take away so much if you don’t know what you are doing ) to an image.  Those using PS will agree that if you are working on an image you truly care about, it takes time and more time!

So, what am I ranting and raving about?  Good question!  : )  I want the term “Photoshop it” to be used less often or the realization of what it means.  I want the non-PS users to know that everything in PS is not easy, just open it up and you will see.  I want all to value true beauty.  I want others to value the time it takes to “just Photoshop it.”   Here is what comes to mind when I think of “just photoshop it”-a quick fix or change.  : )  This poor girl, if she only knew what I just did to her picture.  ; )  Actually, in the second photo, it looks like she might know…

A Birthday Song

What a surprise…  he showed up to sing her a song while we were dining at Brios for her birthday.  It was hilarious and a showstopper for sure.

My only assignment that day was to get THIS.  Love capturing these facial expressions!

Costco revealed

Let’s have this discussion.  By no means am I discounting the work that Costco does.  They have fabulous prices, quick turn times and its local.  If inexpensive, quick and location are the most important to you than I’m not sure that anything beats Costco!  I do want to address some of the differences and things to consider.  This is strictly informational…  If you are the type that wants your images on disk for the purpose of ordering your own prints than this information will be helpful! 

First, let’s discuss color/quality.  Most photographer’s workspace (i.e. monitor) is calibrated and set up to produce the widest spectrum of colors, according to the professional lab they use.  If we are not sending our work to Costco, we probably aren’t loaded with the proper profiles for Costco.  So, here’s what happens… you get an image on a disk, upload the picture to Costco and pick them up and something looks weird! Your colors may be off and cause some funny looking clothing or other funny looking important features, like skin!   Professionals want their photos to look their very best, wouldn’t you?  Sometimes, you may not know the difference if you haven’t seen prints from a lab next to prints (ordered incorrectly) from Costco.  “If I can’t see the difference, then who cares.”  You are right to think this but let me help you understand the other side of the story with an analogy.  Purses… there are name brand purses and knock off purses.  If you are the maker or purchaser of the name brand purse, you certainly know the difference between them.  OR, how about handmade gifts compared to the same item purchased?  You can see the difference, especially if you did the work.  Photographers work hours on images-HOURS- and if it doesn’t look the same in print, we notice.  Prints are the photographer’s reputation!  It is the final product, the masterpiece per se. If you are going to use Costco for printing services, let your photographer know so the color space and any particular profiles can be set properly.  Photographers simply want the image (in its final destination) looking its best.  If the colors are too harsh, too dark, or catawampus in any way, it is a disservice to the photographer.  So, please make sure your photographer knows of your intentions so proper steps can be taken to get as close as possible to the way the images is supposed to look.

Second, let’s talk about products-Costco is definitely making progress in this arena, but nowhere close to a reputable print lab.  But Costco’s main focus is not prints.  What they DON’T OFFER is mounting services (standout, gallery wrap, and float wraps) different printed press papers (pearl, metallic, fine art velvet, fine art watercolor, art recycled, art linen, bonded canvas, etc.) and textures.  Different papers and textures make a HUGE difference in your wall art!  If you want large wall prints from Costco, they only do 16×20 or 20×30 AND they will be printed as a poster.  It isn’t technically a photo, hmmm… 

In the pictures below, you will see the first photo is a gallery wrap (Costco is now doing a version of this), the second photo shows the edges of a float wrap and a standout, the third photo is the same in a different angle, and the fourth is a better picture of a float wrap and standout.  (All of these mounted products are of wonderful quality and the best part is that they come ready to hang!)    

So, if you are the type that wants your images on disk and then loads the pictures to Costco, only to pick up prints and never do anything with them (or worse, never doing anything with the disk) because you forgot about framing and all the costs and time involved then something arriving ready to hang might be the best option for you.  Many photographers even work with frames so you may be able to chose your print and frame and then simply wait for its arrival… then hang it!

Third, I’ll address time.  Sometimes the ordering process, expense/cost research, image set-up and ordering takes time, lots of it.  If you are not seasoned with these things, consider how much your time is worth!   It could take in excess of three hours to research options and costs, decide where you want it printed, load and set-up the image and then make your way through their ordering system.  Personally, I have worked through ordering systems and spend many a nights figuring the ins and outs.  I’m just sayin’… 

OH, and the assumption that a professional print lab takes FOREVER is incorrect!  (Now granted, Costco’s small print service takes just a few hours but you have to go pick it up.)  Personally, the lab I use has orders to me oh so quickly-I love it.  The orders come right to me (or I can ship them to you).  Convenience is a beautiful thing.

Fourth, but not least COST.  Professional labs have quality papers and machines that are always tested and calibrated, they cater to pros and only know prints-that is all they do!  I would say that color and quality is unmatched when using a reputable professional lab.  BUT, excellent quality comes with a price.  In order to determine if the higher cost adds more value for you, think of these things: How long will you have the photos on display? Where will they be displayed?  Who will be viewing them?  Who is in the photos?  Who took the photos? What kind of paper do you want? What finished look/mounting do you want? How much extra time do you have?

I hope this has helped in some sort of way.  I want to restate that I am not discounting what Costco provides!  There are too many people wondering why they would pay the cost for print products from a professional lab, or pay a photographer’s print prices and this is a brief and personal explanation.  Professional labs may not make sense for you, your needs, and/or your budget.  In any case, please consider the quality and color specifications, the products, the time and the cost in your print decisions! 

Next post will be about my pre-session consultation.  I’m excited about this additional to my process!  It will help us sort through things like what is mentioned above…  Stay tuned.  : )

Where’s the perfect camera bag?

I have been on the hunt!  I am trying to find a camera bag that can do the following:

• look awesome
• lightweight
• hold my camera and a few lens
• sleek and slim
• lots of pockets

I do have a few bags in my arsenal but none of them fit the role.  So let me explain:

1. This is a Tamrac bag and I will tell you the good and the bad.  What is better to know first?  Good or bad.  OK, let’s start off with the bad.  It isn’t super cute.  The pockets on the front of the bag, just behind the front flap don’t hold much.  Maybe just a cell phone or something just as slim.  Anything larger will prevent the bag from being able to close.  Bummer.  Another bad is the Velcro strips that hold the section dividers on the inside aren’t sewn to the very edge so when you take your lens in and out, it gets caught on those strips.  Very frustrating, especially if you have the hood on.  One more bad characteristic is the front flap.  I understand why it’s there but if it could be a bit deeper with a quicker zip on the top it would be so much easier to get and out of (then the flap could be the final touch).  The problem is, when the flap is open it is in the way and the camera loose lens are not safe since they sit slightly above the opening.  Ok, the good…  I love the messenger style so I can sling it across my body!  It can slide on the handle of a roller suitcase.  Very cool! It is thin(ner) than my chunky backpack style.  I love that it stands up by itself when I set it down.

2. This is a Shootsac and here’s the good…  The color! (you can buy several different colors but I love green)  The stretchy fabric! it is like a wetsuit fabric.  It forms to your body when you wear it slung across your chest! AND you can use one of the 6 lens pockets to hold a bottle of water, its perfect!  I don’t love that it doesn’t stand up if I ever need to set it down.  I hate that I can’t put my camera in it…  if you take this with you on vacation, you need something separate for the camera, it only holds lens.  I like to keep the hood on my lens and it doesn’t fit in the lens compartment even though it is a stretchy fabric.  : )

3. This is a LowerPro backpack style.  Bad: Another not super cute bag.  It is VERY RARE that I need to take all my stuff with me, so this is overdoing it a bit.  It has all sorts of cords and stuff handing off it (to secure a tripod or something) which get tangled and in my way.  Good: it holds all my stuff.  : )  it carries my laptop, and I can carry it on my back making it easy to travel.

4. Last but not least…  : )  This is no camera bag.  This is my bag that I take with me when I head over to Scrapbooks, Etc. to make cards.  It holds scissors, glue, punches, more scissors and other doodads.  I pulled this out today and thought, “hmmm, it is light weight.  It stands up by itself.  It keeps my lens organized (if I were to put lens in it).  I could hold my camera since the dividers are removable. It is simple, slim and sleek, I love the colors… It certainly is cute.”

Then, I got real.  Even though I am desperate to find a bag I love, I would say it lacks a little protection!  What if I have to slam on my brakes with this sitting on the front seat? :)  Lens and camera crap everywhere is what I see happening!  I don’t think I am asking much, but I also realize that one bag doesn’t fit every need and occasion.  So, I will stick with a simple travel bag.  Just me, my camera (with a lens attached) and one extra lens.  That is what I will try to accommodate.  I will even leave my flash, grey card, light meter, and who knows what else at home. 

I’m on a mission (and I have heard about Crumpler bags…)  if you can help, please share!

running from camera

So, for whatever reason you have a camera.  Maybe you are a photographer, maybe you love to take pictures, maybe somebody gave it to you as a gift and you are still figuring things out.  Nonetheless, have you ever considered doing something totally off the wall, different and creative?  Check this out and then think about how the heck he came up with something like this!  I suppose it is one way to have a self-portrait! 

Then, the next challenge-go do something weird and off the wall with your camera and you never know… people from all over might want to see it!

The car

My BIL has a car that he loves.  He scheduled a photoshoot for it.  : )  I flew all the way over to Indiana for it (ok and a few other things).  My sister and I surprised him with an album honoring The Car.  When he saw that I launched this lovely little site his only words were, “Where’s my pics.”  I think I know what that means so I got right to work and here they are, so this is for you Ken.  Now let’s note… I know nothing about cars.  I don’t know what is cool about them and what is not cool about them.  I can tell you that the color was cool and it was very shiny and had lots of intricate little details.  Any car people out there might say, “ You didn’t get a picture of the flux capacitor…” but I can’t worry about it.  So as far as the photos are concerned, I just snapped what caught my eye.  Don’t worry, we had plenty to chose from!