Tomorrow shooting a big wedding at the Phipps Conservatory. Cant wait for this beautiful union.
8.22.2013
7.15.2013
Rock The Shot: Sun Flare Submission
This photo was takin with a lot of waiting, angling and stress!
I noticed the sun flare was looking great, the only problem was is i had to have my model climb ontop of a very narrow wall to get him in the right position...and then when he did that, i realized i too, needed to be posted on the wall. And so, dangerously, we both balanced on this wall. On the one side, it was about 6ft to the ground, on the other 30+ feet to the inner garden area ground.
But we got the shot! And thats all that matters!
7.14.2013
Wedding Photography: Info/Pricing
Wedding Photography…Your Best Moments...Forever & Ever!
There are 3 main packages designed to meet your needs and budget. There are also MANY customizable options available as well, either as add-ons or as stand-alone services.
If you are in need of Hair & Makeup, a DJ or Videographer, we offer that as well.
If you need more than one service, you will get a discount too!
Booking: I get booked up fast thru the wedding seasons, and as it stand already have quite a few dates taken for 2014. Give me a call at 412.969.7094 for a free consultation. We can talk about your wedding…. the possibilities are endless!
Prices are subject to change at any time and without notice.
Questions? Please give me a call at 412.969.7094 or email me exelmanagement@gmail.com
Website Was Offline
Sorry for those who may have tried accessing this site, the server was offline and i was unaware, but it is back up and i will be posting lots of new stuff and revamping much of the site!
-Alan Lee
-Alan Lee
3.20.2013
3.07.2013
Tutorial 004: 5 Minute Photoshop Fixes For Photographers: Part 1
While there is alot to be said for settling down for a mammoth Photoshop session where you tinker and tweak an image into pristine glory, there are times when you just want a quick solution. And to be honest, a lot of common problems can be sorted out in a matter of minutes.
Over the next few tutorials im going to be sharing some of the quick techniques i use when time, patience, or concentraition are in short supply. We'll be fixing obvious problems such as dull colour or soft edges in addition to looking at creative solutions for pepping up an image. Sometimes a photo will only ever be okay no matter how bright its colours or how in focus it is. However, by giving it a sepia effect, for example, you can create an entirely different image that has the ability to really stand out.
Each of the fixes are detailed in three easy-to-follow steps, most with a short introduction on the process. So load up Photoshop or Elements and get started on pixel-perfect pictures now!
1 Add adjustment layers. Begin by adding a Curves adjustment layer. Look for the black-and-white circle icon at the foot of the Layers palette. Clicking on that icon activates a drop down list of available adjustment layers, then simply select the Curves option from there.
2 Black and white points. To the left of the graph you'll see three eyedropper icons. Click the black eyedropper and then a part of your image that is completely black. Likewise, use the white eyedropper in the same way to sample the brightest pixels to set the white point.
3 Kill the colour cast. Using the grey eyedropper is the most effective and most difficult step in the process. The goal is to sample a pixel that should be 50% grey. This may take a few attempts before getting a good setting. If the first click yields poor results, try another spot. No need to use "undo" (ctrl+z), just keep clicking till you find the right pixel.
Over the next few tutorials im going to be sharing some of the quick techniques i use when time, patience, or concentraition are in short supply. We'll be fixing obvious problems such as dull colour or soft edges in addition to looking at creative solutions for pepping up an image. Sometimes a photo will only ever be okay no matter how bright its colours or how in focus it is. However, by giving it a sepia effect, for example, you can create an entirely different image that has the ability to really stand out.
Each of the fixes are detailed in three easy-to-follow steps, most with a short introduction on the process. So load up Photoshop or Elements and get started on pixel-perfect pictures now!
Correct Color Casts
Pull a natural hue out of a poorly coloured picture
What you'll need...
- Photoshop
- Starting Photo (Download Here)
What I used...
- Photoshop CS5
You could try...
- Photoshop CS and above
- Photoshop Elements
We may not notice the difference between, for example, the light generated by a fluorescent bulb and a hologen one, but photographs sure do, as images taken with different light sources will show great differences in colour.
Not accounting for this sensitivity can generate an image with a distinct tint. These off-colour photos are known as 'colour casts' and are usually the result of a photograph taken with an inaccurate white balance setting.
When out on a shoot, you can compensate for this by setting the white balance on the camera, or letting the sensor do it for you.
But do not fear if you have already snapped away without white balancing. Once you are back at your editing station, you can correct this by re-maping the the white, grey or black points, as this allows the colours to settle back into the more expected values.
If you've gotten a photograph that has an unwanted colour cast (Sometimes an improper white balanced photograph is taken on purpose), then here are the three simple steps to follow to easily remove all but the most drastic of colour casts and get the tones just right for your picture.
Better, Brighter Skies
Chase away dull skies with this easy repair
- Starting Photo (download here)
1 Select a sky. Begin by using the Quick Selection tool to select your sky area. If the tool grabs areas of the image you dont want, hold down the Alt key and paint over the area. Depending on your version, the selection can be edited using the Refine Edge button.
2 New Masked Layer. While still selected, press the Add new layer button at the foot of the Layers palette. The selection is converted into a mask for this layer. This will limit the effect to the sky, and having it on a new layer protects the original from alterations. Set this layer's blending mode to Overlay.
3 Fade away the dull. Set your foreground colour to sky blue. Grab the Gradient tool and use the Foreground to Transparent preset in Options. Set the mode to Linear, click at the top of your canvas and drag down towards the horizon to create a blue gradient that fades away.
COMING SOON:
Part 2 Boost Colours and Sharpness
Part 3 Rich Sepia Tones & Fake Focal Blur
2.03.2013
Tutorial 003: Working With the Light
Tutorial 003: Working With the Light
The right light is crucial to an effective photograph, but "right" is often in the eye of the shooter. Generally, the most desirable light conveys a three-dimensional effect and enhances the beauty of the photograph, but light can also convey more nuanced moods, emotions, or personal statements. Light is not only the necessary condition for photography but also its primary tool.
While every day presents, unique light conditions, there are some generalizations that can be made.
- MORNING LIGHT In the early morning when the sun is still low in the sky, the light is clean and white. This is a good time for landscape photography, because the extra length of the shadows adds a three-dimensional effect to your pictures. This time is often called "The Magic Hour"
- MIDDAY LIGHT At high noon, when the sun is directly overhead, the shadows are short and deep and the light can be very contrasty. Portrait photography is especially difficult at this time because you must employ a fill flash or reflectors to soften the effect of the shadow.
- AFTERNOON LIGHT Late afternoon brings a warm, diffused light with long, soft shadows. It is an ideal time of day for most kinds of photography. This is also referred to as "The Magic Hour".
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Light is dynamic. If possible, plan your photography around the light. If you see a picture but the light is too harsh, wait an hour for conditions to improve.
Good weather doesn't necessarily equate to good light. Overcast days soften light and reduce its contrast, while storms can create rare, surreal effects that if used well can transform an otherwise ordinary scene into an extraordinary photograph. A rocky coastline with crashing waves can be spectacular with menacing, cloudy, gray skies as a backdrop. A person looking through a rain-streaked window can communicate strong emotions.
Good weather doesn't necessarily equate to good light. Overcast days soften light and reduce its contrast, while storms can create rare, surreal effects that if used well can transform an otherwise ordinary scene into an extraordinary photograph. A rocky coastline with crashing waves can be spectacular with menacing, cloudy, gray skies as a backdrop. A person looking through a rain-streaked window can communicate strong emotions.
TRY THIS: >>Place your subject by a window or an open door to create dramatic sidelighting. The light coming through a window is often diffuse and not as harsh as broad daylight<<
