Digital Infrared Photography

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

There are a few different ways to achieve digital infrared photography or at least the look of infrared. Lets talk about the different ways we can achieve this in our images today.

Why infrared?  That's simple... Infrared causes some very unique effects in our images, and most often gives us the full spectrum of a photograph that we wouldn't normally get. Of course with the new age of HDR images we can achieve great effects with full color images as well, but more on HDR in another post. Infrared also gives us a dream-like appearance to some pretty normal images.

Infrared photography used to be accomplished by using infrared film, and infrared filters. After the birth of digital photography you could have your camera modified to take infrared images by removing the hot mirror filter in front of the sensor. Now with Photoshop you can produce a pretty decent infrared image by using adjustment layers. Since I don't want to shoot film, and I certainly don't want to have my camera modified, I have chosen the last option for obtaining some decent infrared images.

First of all let me explain how to create an image that will best convert to infrared. I always talk about the golden hours for shooting outdoor images where you can not control light... where I'm using total natural light to create my photographs. Those would be the early morning hours just after sunrise, and the late evening hours just before sunset. However, for infrared photographs you would want to do just the opposite. It's crazy... but it's true! The best light for creating images that will best convert to infrared would be taken at the point of day when the sun is the brightest and highest. Probably between noon and 2:00 p.m. Depending on your time zone. Images shot at that time of day, if the sun is in fact very bright should most naturally be shot at F16, with an ISO of 100. Using a tripod is recommended for longer shutter speeds.

Once you've captured your images (I always shoot in RAW), you can begin the fun! Open your image in Photoshop (CS4 or higher). In your layers pallet click on your layers button and choose black and white to add a black and white layer mask.

Once you've added that layer mask you can move over to the adjustment tab and arrow down to find your infrared option (there are lots of other options you might want to try also).

Once you've converted your image to infrared you can play with your sliders to get the optimal look you are trying to achieve. Tweaking the green and yellow sliders will create the whites in the leaves and grass that are popular with infrared photography. You can also bring up the blues in the sky and water by tweaking the blue slider, and so on. When you are finished you can go back to your layers tab and adjust the opacity if you want to bring back some of the color in your images. Wallah! Flatten and save... your done!




















Have fun creating some cool infrared photographs!  Be sure to let me know how it works out for you!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy


All images captured with the Olympus E500 with a Zuiko 14 – 54 wide angle zoom, on Lexar Digital Media.

What Do I Wear to My Beach Portrait Session?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

As a portrait photographer who lives near, and often works on the beach, I get asked this question time and time again. A lot of my clients are from out of town, vacationing on Clearwater Beach, or any of our surrounding beaches. It's great to have beach portraits done for future memories, and they're perfect to share with family and friends. Beach portraits also make great Holiday cards! Clients normally contact me just before arriving and want to schedule a portrait session, usually with their family, while they are in town. However, if they don't pose the what to wear question... I usually offer my suggestions to be sure they get the best possible experience out of their beach session.

Because it's hot here most of the time, or at least during the times when vacationers flock to Florida they feel shorts and sleeveless tops, or shirts are the best scenario for photo's done on our beautiful beaches. On the contrary... Slacks or capri's are best, as well as tops/shirts with sleeves work better for most people. Yes, I said sleeves. Sleeves make arms appear thinner, and slacks make legs appear thinner. That's not to say you can't wear shorts and no sleeves... but those things are best worn by models and those with perfect figures. Let's face it, not everyone has a flawless figure. If you do... then by all means wear your shorts and tank tops!

Plain colors are best... refuse the temptation to dress in bold flowers, or nautical stripes just because you're on the beach. Plain, neutral clothing will make your portraits more timeless. No one will ever look at them and comment “Oh, that is soooo 70's!” all the while chuckling out loud. Khaki and denim are favorites for the beach, and never go out of style. White is also a popular color and looks great against the blue waters, and white sands. However white is not the only color you can wear on the beach... any solid-color will do.

Another tip that I try to give larger groups... If there is someone who you would like to stand out (parent, grandparent, great grandparent), go ahead and have them dress in a different color than everyone else. Or if there are families within the family photo, give each family a different color... just be sure to keep them solid-colors. For instance... Everyone wears dark blue and the Great Grandparents wear white. Or any other combination you feel is appropriate... again... make sure they are solid.

Some female clients ask about make-up. I suggest that make up be natural for the beach. However, if you wear make-up every day, then just wear it the way you normally would. Your face should be the way people see you every day.

One last hint.... Most beach portraits are done in bare feet... so make sure your toe nails look nice. I'm not saying you should go out and get a pedicure, but be sure your toe nails are clean, and if your a female have a fresh coat of polish applied, even if it's clear. Finger nails should also be well kept for any portrait session.

I hope this helps prepare you for your next Beach Portrait Session!

Love, Laughs, & Photographs,
Wendy

All images shot with the Olympus E500 on Lexar Digital Media.

Whats Happening at Channelside in Tampa?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Tall ships... that's what!! I headed for Channelside last week when I heard through the grape vine that there were some very tall sail ships to be docked there until Wednesday the 14th. I had not heard of “Sail Tampa Bay” in the past, however in 2002 an event known as the America's Sail arrived in St. Petersburg, Florida. Apparently the event didn't go over too well when organizers realized they hadn't done their homework, and there were far to many people who wanted to see the massive vessels.

We arrived at Channelside in the evening, and it seemed to be going very well. Not over crowded, no mass hysteria, in fact everything seemed to be very calm and organized. Three steel hulled ships docked at The Port of Tampa, one in clear view. The first ship we encountered was the U.S. Coast Guard Ship (photo above). Although it's sails were not dropped, it was an enormous beauty. We couldn't figure out how to board the ship, but enjoyed walking around until we found the perfect spot to photograph her large exterior. Named “Eagle” she is a training ship for the U.S. Coast Guard.

As we enjoyed a perfect dinner at the Columbia Cafe, we realized the other ships where docked further down, and as night fell, we finished up our meal and made our way to photograph the Uruguan flagged Schooner called “Captain Miranda” and the Columbian barque “Gloria.” Both as massive, and as beautiful as the “Eagle” with lights along their masts and friendly sailors on board and on shore... perfect for capturing at night.

Hopefully this event will continue and we will be able to go back year after year to enjoy these ocean beauties. If we are in fact graced with their beauty again... I will be sure to get on board the next time!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

All images shot with the Olympus E500, on Lexar digital media, with the Zuiko 15-54mm wide angle zoom.

Why Haven't I Been Here Before?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Lowry Park Zoo... rated the best zoo in the US by Parents Magazine, close to home, and open every day with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus... the parking is free! So... why haven't I been here before? All, or at least most of my children have been, my sisters have been, and my friends have been to the zoo. I'm almost positive it's because I was too busy being mommy and house wife, because I know that my older children have taken my younger children for fun filled days at the zoo, and all I have are pictures that they have brought home to show me.

Finally... I made it to the zoo (on the hottest day of the year) and created my own images of not only some very cool species but also of the surroundings at Lowry Park.  I enjoyed photographing all the animals as well as all the special props created for the separate areas! Safari Africa, Walaroo Station, Asian Gardens, the Aquatic Center, and much much more! I photographed everything I could find from Rhino's to Birds and everything in between! I took my time exploring the surroundings as much as the creatures... Lowry Park goes the extra mile to create an environment that is indicative to each of the animals natural regions.

Most people already know that Lowry Park is interesting and exciting for both young and old... but since it was my first visit I wanted to share some of my experiences through my photographs. If you are a local... and like me, haven't made it out to Lowry Park yet... you should definitely go! If you are thinking of, or are visiting the Tampa Bay area... then Lowry Park is a must in your site seeing plans!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs!
Wendy


All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.

Where's Wendy? Sand Key Beach!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful couple on Sand Key Beach in Clearwater! Frankly... this is the most beautiful wedding I've shot on Sand Key. Either beach officials have changed the rules on where events can be held on the beach, or the wedding planner fought for a better place to set up her weddings. I'm more inclined to think it was the wedding planner since even her deco was more professional and eye appealing than other weddings I've done in the same area.

Josh and Becky's wedding was set for the perfect time of day to capture not only the ceremony in great light but also the formal shots on the beach could be done at the precise time without waiting for the sun to come down lower in the sky. In fact we had to do a little bit of rush before we lost light completely. Doing sunset shots is normally a big waiting game... and once the sun gets to the correct level in the sky... it drops quite rapidly. However, that lovely golden glow is what makes beach portraits ideal... especially for weddings!

When you've surrounded yourself with beach weddings and portraits you know to check your sunrise and sunset times (make sure it's for your area), and schedule your sessions accordingly. When it comes to weddings you cant always chose what time the ceremony will be, so... the light is not always great and adjustments must be made. If the bride and groom want you to capture that kiss at sunset, and the ceremony ends way before sunset.... you may have to interrupt the reception to go get the shot they request. Normally couples have already chosen their time of day before they ever decide on their photographer, not even thinking about the photographs they are looking for. Obviously not the case here... This couple had well laid plans and knew what they were looking for. If you come across a couple who has chosen an early wedding but still wants sunset shots... maybe you can get them to adjust their time during your consultation. Hopefully all the wedding planners out there know what they are up against for a beach wedding and check their sunset schedule before deciding on a ceremony time, because it will change depending on the time of year.

So there you have it... Sand Key Beach in Clearwater, with the right planning, at the right time of day... Perfect!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs!
Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.

Another Belly! - Post Enhancements

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

When we do a maternity session we always make sure Mommy looks as lovely as she feels, or would like to feel.  Being pregnant can sometimes take a lot out of you.  Stretch marks, brown patches, swelling... are all part of carrying around your little bundle of joy!  As I've said before... sometimes by the time Mommy comes to the studio she just cant wait to be holding baby in her arms instead of in her tummy!

I always make sure I remove any blemishes from the face and stretch marks from the belly area.  I do try to leave moles and freckles that are natural.  The only reason I wouldn't do one or the other is if it were requested by the client.  I soften the face and belly with a nice gaussian blur to make her look smooth and dreamy.  Sometimes I also make her clothes or wrap (especially white), blurred and dreamy also, making sure not to take away the edge sharpness. A little unsharp mask and I'm done!

So there you have it!  A Quick and easy work flow for post processing Maternity portraits!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs!
Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.

Becoming Who You are!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

As a very small child I loved pictures... to look at them, to feel them and to create my own. Back in the 70's, at age 11, I remember the Scott paper towel company had a contest of sorts. Save 300 UPC symbols and get a free Kodak 110 camera! Yay! Since I lived in Rochester, NY (Kodak country) that was the only camera I had ever heard of, and also lived in a large apartment complex that my father built, I had easy access to people who bought Scott paper towels! So there I was... going door to door asking everyone to save the UPC symbols from there paper towel rolls for me!... I got the Kodak 110 before the contest was up, and Oh how I loved that camera! I took pictures of everyone and everything...my family, my friends, cars, buildings, you name it! My next camera was a Polaroid... now that made things much easier. No developing costs (even though the film was a bit more expensive). Turn the photo over, count 15 seconds, and presto! Your photo was ready to view, share, and put in an album! At that time I never imagined that things would come to the digital age! Wow! What a break through! I went through a lot of camera's... from Kodak to Yashica, to Olympus. Years ago I think my X had a Minolta that I thought was pretty amazing too. So, my point here is... I love to take pictures, and it doesn't really matter what kind of camera I had, or you have. If you love to do something, you should Do It!

I have never gone to school for photography, yet my experience has been quite the education! Before digital I went through lots of film and the cost of developing/printing. There was no Photoshop or Lightroom... if you messed up... you ate it, unless of course you paid someone to do the touch up work for you during developing (which is an art in itself). Practice and hard work are all part of perfecting what you love to do. Always reading, and trying new things is what makes us good at what we do. Now that's not to say that some things are new to everyone but if it's new to you... give it a shot... it cant hurt. If it doesn't suit your style or is not something you think you will ever need or have to incorporate into what you do... try it any way... you never know when a learning process may come in handy. May not be today, may not be tomorrow, but some day down the road you may say... hey! I'm glad I absorbed that bit of information! I love to learn new things... I will never stop learning! In fact if I ever come to a point where I don't want to learn any more... I may as well be dead! I watch everything I can watch on photography, I read everything I can read about photography, I implement any ideas that I have or that other people have just to see how they work!



Now... you may think someone my age is too old to learn, or to go back to school... but I'm going to do just that. I will be attending college in the fall, and working on an AS in photographic technology. I'm so psyched about the whole adventure I can hardly stand it! I cant wait to learn new things and take them out and use them. I cant wait to be able to logically speak about what I love to do, and share it with the rest of the world! Heck! I cant wait to have some like minded people to share thoughts with and bounce things off of in hopes of more knowledge!



So here's my point with all of this... do what you love... learn what you love... don't let anyone stand in your way... and become the person you want to be!!



Always chasing the light,
Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.