A Year’s Improvement

From 2010 to 2011, I’ve picked up a few tricks when it comes to photo editing. Like the background eraser for instance. In this case, I was under a very tight schedule in 2010. But now that I’ve had a year to grow and learn more techniques, Erasing the background seamlessly, and keeping edge detail was a breeze.

Also, over the past year, it seems my eye has been fine tuned to notice things like balance, contrast and which subjects I am putting emphasis on. Looking back to 2010, the ad seemed to lack a strong emphasis because I didn’t know what the focus should be.

I’m thankful that my skill has improved, through practice and experimentation throughout the year. Just goes to show that good things take time to learn.

I’ve been experimenting in the studio tonight, and finally realized how easy it is to light a background, not to mention how much better it makes a photo look.

This particular study started with the light a bit high, which was causing the raccoon effect in the eyes. I ended up lowering the key light and moving to the side for more dramatic shadows. I then took my SB-800 flash and pointed it directly at the backdrop.

To soften the gradation of light I wrapped a piece black paper around the flash which seemed to tighten circle, give the background darker edges, and focus the light to bring focus to the subject (ME!).

I can’t wait for the next photo shoot to be able to use this lighting effect. Once I buy a black background, this effect should look even more dramatic. Until then, this will do nicely.

Bokeh Effect :: Lewis Design Plus

For those of you who haven’t heard, I was inspired, over the holidays, to test out this bokeh effect using a paper cover over my camera lens. http://lullaby.homepage.dk/diy-camera/bokeh.html

I tried it out, and was very impressed with how simple a technique this is, and how well it works. This effect can only get better with more practice and once I get a hold of a wider fixed-lens, the testing on human subjects will commence.

These photos are my first test shots from the holidays. Hope you enjoy them and get motivated to try this out for yourself! All you need is paper and a camera! Go try it!

Hockey season is starting up!

If you’re interested in getting team photos taken, Send me an email or call me to book your Ice time. Time is limited so don’t leave booking your Team photos until it’s too late!

A sneek peek at another J2 Productions performance. This photo is from a shoot for a theatrical comedy, titled, “People Grieving”. 

Click here to check out the J2 Productions page on Facebook. Stay up to date on new performances and events.

The new Lewis Design Plus website is up!

Unfortunately, the design pages aren’t complete yet, but there are now more “PLUS”es to the site (pun fully intended), such as:

• Downloadable Wallpapers
• Lewis Design Plus Apparel
• 30% larger image viewers
• + More

So go check it out: lewisdesignplus.com

Lewis Design Plus Shirts are finally available the world. Follow the link above and go shopping!

My test prints for Lewis Design Plus Shirts have arrived!!

I’m so excited to finally see and feel the product from my online store. I can’t wait to unveil the URL.. but please be patient while I work out the bugs. Couldn’t have asked for a nicer print, I really like the quality.

If you’re looking to be one of the FIRST fans to order the shirts. Send me an email to info@lewisdesignplus.com and I’ll email you directly when I have the store ready.

Hope you like the look of the shirts.. They feel amazing.

I don’t know if I’ll get any sleep tonight cause I’m so excited, but I just had to post this, Have a good night!

New open-concept layout will allow photos to be 35% larger than the current website!

I can’t wait to make my new website live. I’ve changed some of the back-end code to make my site easier to search and have also added some bonus features! So keep you’re eyes open for the new site.. I’ll keep you posted.