Over the past few years, we have received a number of calls and emails from photographers regarding our images and how we get them to look the way they look.  I wanted to take the opportunity to show a couple of tips to help make your images “sing” whether viewing online or viewing in print.  So go grab a cup of coffee, kick your feet up and enjoy…  We’ll be posting tips from time to time for professional photographers and amateurs alike.

This is an image of Becky shot last summer and some of the steps from capture to print.

First of all, in preparing for a shot, I really try to envision the final print.  After a shoot, I typically already know which images will be black and white or color or specially toned because that was the way I shot it.  Sometimes there are distracting colors that are eliminated if converted to B&W and sometimes color will create the specific mood we are looking for.  Pre-visualizing what your edited image will look like is important to setting up your camera and/or lighting scenario.

Secondly, we need to discuss camera settings…  We shoot Nikon as well as occasionally Canon systems.  I believe you can create amazing images on any camera system if you know your camera’s strengths and limitations.  This shot was taken with a Nikon D2X with a Nikkor 17-35 2.8 lens.  We always capture in RAW as I want the highest quality for the final print and this format allows for more manipulation without degrading the file.  As well, we shoot in Adobe RGB ‘98 color space as opposed to sRGB.  We do the majority of our own printing and RGB ‘98 gives us a greater color gamut for our own printing.  If you are strictly using a lab (in the US), stick with sRGB as labs typically use that color space.  I typically shoot with low saturation, low contrast, etc.–I want the image flat out of camera as I can adjust that in Lightroom.  Contrast is much easier to add than it is to take away.  I also want my sharpening to none or low.  My last step in post production is to sharpen for the output desired.  If the image is already sharpened in camera, I risk creating the ever-so-evil “jaggies”.

So I’m set to shooting fairly flat in-camera and I’ve decided on a wide-angle lens for this particular shot to bring in the background.  For this image, I shot at an ISO of 125, 1/200 at f10.  Normally, I shoot wide-open apertures to separate the subject from the background, but in this shot, I wanted to bring in a lot of detail in this beautiful background.  I used an off-camera flash at camera left to add a little fill.  I wanted the background slightly underexposed as bring out the clouds in post.  A good rule of thumb is to meter the sky and drop your exposure by 1/2 to 1 stop if using an off-camera flash to light up your main subject.  This will produce a rich sky while correctly exposing your subject.  With this shot, we wanted Becky to look into the distance so the viewer really draws in the background as well.  

{BEFORE }

{ AFTER }

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion in part 2, the post-processing of the image!  Oh, I know you’re excited…

We had a great time last month in Vegas at WPPI, a photographers’ convention and trade show.  Following the show, we spent a few days in Montana and took the time to work on a personal project.  While there, we really enjoyed meeting with a fantastic bindery who creates beautiful handmade books.  We are really looking forward to showing you a new line of book to come out late spring/early summer.  More on that later…  

We always enjoy the opportunity to go out and shoot and this trip didn’t disappoint.  I’ve been meaning to post some of these shots for some time, but honestly, I just opened the files yesterday to have a look…  Some of the shots are from around Bozeman and Big Sky and others are from Yellowstone.  I’ll try to post more when I get a chance. Enjoy!

[Show as slideshow]

I have to say, one of the best things about working at VISIO is the interaction with people. Over the last 4 months since starting, I have so enjoyed getting to know James, Jenny and little Emma. I have never had a job that I just look forward to going to each morning. Do I sound like I’m sucking up? I promise I’m not. I honestly enjoy being here. 

So. Being that I just went through the whole wedding planning process a few months ago, I get excited when I get the opportunity to talk to a bride (about to be or already married. It’s fun getting to know the people that have allowed VISIO to capture their day). There is a certain level of “oh, you’ve been there, experienced the craziness and made it through. I have hope!” that goes on. Planning a wedding IS crazy. When I got engaged, I thought, “oh sure, we’ll get married in 3 months! Piece of cake!” WRONG! I had NO idea all of the little details that make a wedding and reception. Not to mention, my husband decided that that was a great time to renovate the kitchen in the house that was soon to go from his to ours! (He had been in the house for a year or so and this kitchen was in desperate need of an upgrade) So our days were spent planning, making phone calls, painting, ripping out cabinets, filling out invites, making countless trips to Lowe’s, etc. It was tiring. We were SO glad when everything was over so we could go on our honeymoon and relax. No to say that we  didn’t love our wedding and reception. It was so amazing to have the people we love come and share our day with us. We had a ton of fun the whole day and when I look back, it’s with happiness knowing how much it meant and how special everything turned out. We both thought it turned out beautiful and the week before and day of we did relax some which helped a lot. 

My point is, if you are in your own process of planning your big day, enjoy it! It goes by so fast and it’s over before you know it. I am a fan of short engagements, and also seeing each other before the wedding. It brings a certain level of comfort and ease to the day.  I did see Ian before the wedding and I know it made him feel a ton better because he was so nervous about standing in front of everyone. 

Besides your marriage, your love, it’s those images that capture your day that will last forever. They will be what your children and grandchildren look at and go: “man, mom and dad/grandma and grandpa were hot at one point!” (hehe) It’s very important when choosing a photographer to go with one whose images you can imagine yourself in. I am very excited to get into “wedding season” with VISIO and see James and Jen do what they love. It’s so refreshing to work with people that are honestly excited about not only what they do, but the people they do it for. 

Hmm..I think I’m starting to sound like I’m sucking up again. Thanks for reading my first post! Better get back to email… 

Meghan

PS: I look forward to talking to some of you on the phone or through email one day! Feel free to call anytime.

Technology is pretty cool and I must admit I’m a geek… I am posting from my iPhone to announce our new blog. We are installing twitter and will be adding additional functionality such as video, online fine art store, etc.

We’ve been busy lately working on book designs and getting caught up a bit. Last month, we were out of town for about 3 of 4 weeks so we are excited to be getting some in studio time.
Let us know what you think of the new blog. We will be updating a little more frequently as we are “connecting tech ologies” around here (man, I do sound like a need…)
Take care and have a great weekend.