Let There Be Light – By Jay Rodriguez
Thursday, January 29th, 2009
Archive for January, 2009
Quick Links #1 2009 – Post Processing Inspiration
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Here are a couple of links to the websites of well known artists that use the Post Processing Technique for their fantastic looking Photography/Art.
Be sure to look closely at the different styles these artists have while using the similar technique to make their work stand out! (more…)
Getting close to the Dave Hill Signature Look Pt.1
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Achieving this look is not a simple process!
Dave Hill has a technique that many have trying to get done for a long time now and very few have come close but still wonder “How does DH do it”?
I’ve come across several websites that offer Photoshop Tutorials on the “HDR” look and also tutorials on Photoshop 3rd party plug-ins that supply “close to nothing” looks like so.
If you look closely to the behind the scenes by Dave Hill you can actually see that his image results really and truly rely on the lighting…and then of course some photoshopping. I have come to notice that when trying to achieve this look the first thing most newbie’s aim for is the 3rd party plug-ins such as LucisArt, Dynamic-Photo HDR and/or Photomatix and the end results are way far from the DH Look, but if first you don’t succeed all you have to do is keep trying.
What most searchers don’t understand that this result is not a 1.2.3 step plugin. It’s actually a process that takes time, skill and a good eye!
Also a key element to this image result is shooting in RAW format and working in Photoshop Lightroom, being that in a RAW format you can control all the lighting, shadows, curves, hues and everything else. Working with a RAW format really helps allot. Remember, working in lightroom in a RAW format is just like working with a film negative in a darkroom…but only in reverse…err and digitally!
Then, after your done on working on your color toning, curves, etc, etc in LR you import the results into PS and work the rest out with some adjustments and sharpening. This process is time dedicated. Its why we call this procedure “Post Processing”, it really involves tons of image correction and lighting manipulation to get what you expect.
Above you will see something I consider somewhat close to the DH technique, but I know that its nothing like DH’s look. I put in some time in this image and came out with this result I’m actually content with. Though this isn’t my style of photography/art but I thought I’d give it a go and I’m happy with what I have produced here. I will be working on this technique more often considering that yes I have been curious on how the image was done and yes I would like to know how to do it too!
I’ll keep you all updated on this technique when I post part 2 of this blog entry.
Just remember to keep an eye on your work, photoshopping and shooting when you want this kind of result. Also remember, to get the Dave Hill look you’ll need to work countless hours like Dave Hill and that’s not an easy task.
Here is a cool Photoshop Lightroom Tutorial By Scott Kelby that’ll probably help you kick things off in the right direction.
P.s. – here is an interview Dave Hill did with Lightsource
TTYL – LataZ 
Picture of the Manhattan Bridge Being Built
Thursday, January 15th, 2009
Here is a cool picture taken many years ago of the Manhattan Bridge being built.
click on the image to view full size.
Tip Of The day – When Your Employee Calls In Sick…It Means Their Sick!!!!
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
Attention to all Employers, Managers, CEO’s & Presidents of companies that employ multiple numbers of employees. When an employee calls in sick it means that “THEY ARE SICK”…No Bullshit!!!!
Its also means “DO NOT DISTURB”!!!!
Give your employees time to get better, to catch up to their health cause lord knows how much abuse they go through the rest of the year before their vacations and sick days!
Sympathizing in these matters are great solutions towards a well rested employee. I can guarantee to you if your employees don’t fail you the entire year, giving them this break to catch-up to themselves will be greatly appreciated and paid back towards the company 3 times fold.
so remember, when he or she calls in sick…let them rest! They deserve it!
Post #1 of 2009 B4P Goodies and Reviews on "Rapid R Strap" & "Lastolite EZYbox Pop-up Softbox For Off-Camera Flash"
Sunday, January 4th, 2009
Opening up the New Year of 2009 I will like to wish everyone that comes here to B4P a Happy and Safe New Year, may all your resolutions come easy and clean
My first goodie here up for review is a new toy I received known as the LastoLite EZYBox for Off Camera Flashes. Have to order this off Camera Flash has helped me allot. Considering that I don’t travel with most of my lighting equipment to basic shoots having the EZYBox has worked wonders for me along with my 5-in-1 Reflector by Westcott.
The product quality is excellent! Especially with my Canon 580EX ii Speedlight.
It produces soft light as promised. The only problem is that it is quite small to be used for full portrait body shots or for wider portrait shots in a single click. You would obviously need another box or a larger one to get the fill you desire. The thing I like of this product is that it’s so light, so easy to travel with…fold, place in its bag and go, that is all it takes. (more…)
