Seim Photo

Heres another shot I just finished processing from my last batch of Seattle image. This one was taken late, about 1AM from Kerry Park. This is done using the HDR technique, processed in Photomatix and the rendered with some help from my new Hill of Lucas effect and some other work in Photoshop. The close up detail in the full size version is immense. You can almost see people easting inside the restaurant at the top.

The result is what I wanted. I like the bold definition and tonal range, but also that the Space Needle is the primary item in the scene. The HDR allowed me to keep the lights and shadows totally in control and get pull the natural light of the scene just the way I wanted. You’re comments are welcome… Gav

I was at a local park the other day doing some experimentation with various types of light. Sondra and Cyrus came by to help and Cyrus really enjoyed working with the lights. I’ve been playing with this Sima LED video light as a small constant light source. Cyrus and he went right to work trying to put it on the stand.

I had to help him a bit in the end, but hey he’s only 15 mos. He’s takes such an interest in things and catches on so fast. I’ll be running to keep up with him soon. Here’s a few photos I took. I just cant resist photographing him. I have so many, but always want more… Gavin

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I had some of my photography and tips on HDR portraits featured in Rick Sammons new book, Digital Wedding Photography Secrets. I just posted an image of the page and some additional details right here on Seim Weddings.

“Imperfect”

Photography is about light and how we see that light. I took these last weekend using a Lensbaby which is a selective focus manual lens (a tilt shift look, for those who know what that means). The result is a little imperfect and not as clear as the highly expensive lenses I often use. It’s not for everything, but used at the right time the effect can be dramatic. This first flower was not at it’s prime, but because of that it stood apart from it’s nearly perfect brothers and sisters. It took hold of my attention and in the end was my favorite of the group. Imperfect, but not unseen.

These flowers (Arrow-leaved Balsamroot I believe) are everywhere this time of year. Bringing focus on just one, instead of the many, keeps the eye on the beauty and not on the crowd, while still knowing the crowd exists. This starts in camera, but does not end there. Even in the film days photographers worked with their images to put the attention where they wanted it.

Just to illustrate the power of the edit, I’m posting one of the plain uncorrected images next to the final version below. In this case basic correction, then one of my actions and plenty of burning and dodging (lightening and darkening certain areas on the image) brought of the depth and made the flowers stand out exactly the way I intended…. Gav

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I’ve driven by this old barn a hundred times. It always catches my eye, standing resolute and solitary but I didn’t finally photography it till last night.

I used my HDR method, then today spent some time editing it to get this bold look that still have a vintage feel. I used some of my effects including one based on the Michael Orton’s technique that was devised back in the film days. I’m happy with how it turned out. It shows the drama of an old barn at sunset, while seeming to whisper a little of days gone by…. Gavin