X-Rite Color Checker Passport

The X-Rite ColorChecker passport {refers to|describes|identifies|is the term for} {a powerful|a strong|a robust|an effective} device that {acts as a|provides a|behaves as a|provides for a} ‘color solution’ for accurate {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} consistent photos {and creative|and inventive|and artistic} flexibility. It combines multiple pictures into one pocket size photograph {that can be|that may be|which can be|that could be} easily positioned {to any|to the|to your|for any} angle and scene {that you would|that you’d|that you will|that you might} desire {as a|like a|being a|as being a} photographer. It {enables you to|allows you to|lets you|permits you to} {have a|possess a|use a|have a very} wonderful functionality {when you|whenever you|once you|if you} incorporate it {with a|having a|using a|which has a} camera calibration software {in your|inside your|within your|with your} camera. {With a|Having a|Using a|Which has a} raw picture {or one|a treadmill} {that you may have|you will probably have|you will likely have|you might have} just captured, {it will help|it can help|it helps|it may help} in {improving the|increasing the|enhancing the|helping the} {picture quality|display quality|image quality|picture}, flexibility {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} productivity {as soon as|when|the moment|after} it {is incorporated in the|is within the|influences|consistantly improves} picture.

Description
{If you are a|If you’re a|An advanced|A high level} photographer {and looking|and searching|looking|and seeking} {to enhance|to boost|to improve|to further improve} you pictures, {ensure that your|make sure that your|ensure your|keep your} exposure {is good|is nice|is great|is a useful one}, {or even|or perhaps|as well as|and even} create custom profiles, {then the|then your|then a|then this} X-Rite ColorChecker {would be the|will be the|is the|could be the} {most appropriate|most suitable|best suited|best fitting} {look for|search for|try to find|seek out} your photography, especially {if you are a|if you’re a|an advanced|a high level} raw shooter. {The main|The primary|The key|The principle} features it {comes equipped with|comes with|has|consists of} {for its|because of its|for the|due to the} amazing functionality {is listed|shows up} {as follows|the following|the subsequent|the next}
– Color management workflow: The X-Rite ColorChecker passport {comes equipped with|comes with|has|consists of} {a feature|an element|an attribute|a characteristic} {that enables|that allows|that permits|so that} it {to match|to complement|to fit|to check} {all the|all of the|every one of the|each of the} colors {that you would|that you’d|that you will|that you might} want {in the|within the|inside the|from the} camera, {in an|within an|in a|in the} organized any manner. {It is|It’s|It really is|It can be}, therefore, {easier to|simpler to|much easier to|better to} edit {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} organize {the colors|the colours|the shades|colors} {in a way that|in a manner that|in a fashion that|in ways that} {you want to|you need to|you would like to|you wish to} capture {the color|the colour|along with|large}.
– White balance: {With the|Using the|With all the|Together with the} X-Rite ColorChecker, {you will be able|you’ll be able|it is possible|it will be possible} {to set|to create|setting|to put} a white balance {for your|for the|to your|on your} camera to capture true and accurate pictures across a spectrum. {The color|The colour|Along with|Large} editing {of the|from the|with the|in the} pictures taken also {becomes easier|becomes simpler}.
– Camera Calibration: {You can|You are able to|It is possible to|You’ll be able to} {be able to get|be capable of getting|be capable of geting|get} a calibration technology that {enables you to|allows you to|lets you|permits you to} get perfect or excellent shots even from unusual light sources. {It will|It’ll|It’s going to|It is going to}, therefore, {be easy|be simple|the simple} {to establish|to determine|to ascertain|to create} {an accurate|a precise|an exact|a definative} color {to use for|for} developing {and effective|and efficient} {control of|charge of|power over|control over} {the other|another|one other|the opposite} colors.
– Passport size: {It has been|It’s been|It is often|Many experts have} {designed with|made with|fashioned with|built with} a passport-size case {that you can|that you could|you could|that one could} effectively carry {and use it|and employ it|and then use it|and utilize it} anywhere {for your convenience|for your benefit|to save you time|for your leisure}. It {has also been|has additionally been|been specifically|has been} {designed with|made with|fashioned with|built with} a rigid material {that can|that may|that will|that could} enable it to last {for a long time|for some time|for a long period|for years}.
Benefits
-{Ability to|Capability to|Capacity to|Power to} easily match colors and edit photos, {thanks to the|because of the|due to the|with thanks to the} color management feature.
– {Ability to|Capability to|Capacity to|Power to} create and generate profiles, {thanks to the|because of the|due to the|with thanks to the} .DNG file extension.
– Automatic {and effective|and efficient} color calibration: {Thanks to the|Because of the|Due to the|With thanks to the} automatic color calibration, {it is easy to|you can easily|it is possible to|you can actually} set {the correct|the right|the proper|the best} color display {that you want|that you would like|you want|that you might want} {for your|for the|to your|on your} photos {to appear|to look|to seem|to show up}.
– {Easy to use|Simple to use|User friendly|Simple to operate} operation software {that comes with|that is included with|that accompany|that accompanies} the manual.
– Small, pocket-size {and therefore|and for that reason|and thus|and so} flexible {to use|to make use of|to utilize|to work with} almost anywhere.
Conclusion
The X-Rite ColorChecker passport {is basically|is actually|is essentially|is simply} one {the best|the very best|the most effective|the top} solutions {for taking|to take|when planning on taking|when deciding to take} quality pictures, {especially if you|particularly if you|specifically if you|particularly if} {are just a|are only a|are a|are simply a} beginner in photography {and would like to|and also|and even|as well as} perfect {your skills|your talent|your abilities|the} in managing and determining {the best|the very best|the most effective|the top} colors {for your|for the|to your|on your} picture, {as well as|in addition to|along with|and also} white balance. {What is more|Furthermore|In addition|Additionally}, {since it is|as it is|because it is|as it is often} {a very|a really|an extremely|an incredibly} recent software, {it also|additionally, it|in addition, it|what’s more, it} {comes equipped with|comes with|has|consists of} {a very easy|an easy|a very simple|a simple}-to-use installation manual {for easy|for simple|for straightforward|for quick} following of instructions {and it is|which is|and it’s also|in fact it is} {very cheap|inexpensive|really cheap|cheap} {in cost|on price|in price} {as well|too|also|at the same time}. {It is best|It’s best|It’s a good idea|It’s advisable} in {taking control of|managing} brightness and contrast of monitors and displays {for an|to have an|with an|on an} accurate picture profile. {Try it|Check it out|Test it|Do it} today {for the best|to find the best|to get the best|for top} quality photography!

www.andrewfoordphotography.com

Profoto B2 – New Kid in Town

This weekend I got the chance to shoot with the new Profoto USA B2 lights at a workshop held by photographer Zach Sutton. I was skeptical at first, not fully understanding why Profoto would make these lights? The B1’s ROCK! And have 1 more full stop then the B2’s; I just didn’t see the market. Then I picked them up. The B2 weigh’s next to nothing! Besides being super light weight, the quality of light is AMAZING! No they aren’t battery powered, but once you hold the unit in your hand and see how truly portable they are.

 

 

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

How Watching Soap Operas Made Me A Better Stylist!

We can all agree that styling a model can be a pretty daunting task, especially if you’re fashionably disabled like me. Hiring a wardrobe stylist is always an option, but sometimes that’s not feasible. One trick that has helped me to “keep up with the times,” has been watching soap opera’s.

 

When I first started watching soap opera’s I was immediately drawn to the lighting and styling, not to mention the awesome dialogue. Actors on the show are always dressed to the nine’s, from perfectly quaffed hair down to triangular shape tipped shoes (which I just learned are “in”). I also noticed that soap opera’s seem to be ahead of the current fashion trend and in many cases set the trend.

 

When watching the show be sure to write down what you see, like the main actress is wearing a tribal sweater or that the male lead has on a bowtie. Also take note of hairstyles and make up that you like, then apply to your next photo shoot.

 

Obtaining the wardrobe needed for your shoot can be costly, but here are a few tips that I use to significantly cut costs. First, check out consignment and thrift stores, often these establishments have what you are looking for at a 50% discount.

 

Second, ask to borrow clothes from large department stores. Certain department stores will lend a photographer clothing for a shoot for a small fee. You will also have to leave a credit card number incase the garment gets damaged. You will need to do a little research and call ahead, but that’s a way I’ve obtained clothing for a shoot in the past.

 

My third tip is to rent clothing from websites like www.renttherunway.com/ or www.etsy.com. At times sellers on Etsy will allow photographers to use clothing and jewelry as long as you provide them with final images that they can then use.

Once your photo shoot is complete and your ready to share your photo’s, be sure to tag the designer of the clothes you used. Social media is HUGE and that designer might just see your photo and want to hire you for a future shoot.

 

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year, New Gear

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

With the new year brings new gear… specifically new gear for my 4 year old son, Johnny. I… I mean Santa, went out and found this awesome blue Kidizoom camera by VTech, which can be purchased here. If you read the specs you see that this beast is a WHOPPING 1.3 megapixels that can be reduced to .3 should you desire. It has built in memory, but I opted to insert a 16 gig microSD card, purely for comedic effect!

new camera!

I took to the streets of NYC with my friend and model Cheyenne Lutek because lets face it, if you walk around with a toy camera anywhere else in the world you will get lots of strange looks, but not in NYC.

Below are a few shots from Johnny’s camera taken on the streets of NYC in broad daylight! All retouching was done in Alienskin Exposure 7 using the Wet Plate Destroyed filter.

The first 2 photos I had Cheyenne stand behind a plastic sheet which we found on the street. The buildings you see are a reflection on the plastic NOT a double exposure.

 

 

 

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

No Photoshop

 

Ok so maybe the title was a bit deceiving, but technically this photo was NOT edited in Photoshop or Lightroom, but rather the new AlienSkin Exposure 7 with RAW conversion capabilities. If you have 8 minutes, check out my LIVE retouch here. I’m been a BIG fan of Exposure and have been using it for years. If you’re just getting started in photography and looking for some GREAT software I highly recommend Exposure 7… They have a FREE trial if you click here. Exposure 7 works as stand alone software and as a plug-in, so you don’t need Photoshop to use! I’m interested to hear your thoughts about using Exposure so please comment on this post.

 

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

Group Editing Assignment

I recently completed a shoot with one of my favorite models Karina. I thought it would be fun to see how creative everyone is. I you click here  you can download the RAW file. Please post your results on my Photography fan page on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Foord-Photography/151111961603741?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark

 

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

New Studio & Camera System!

I must apologize to my followers for not posting soon, but I’ve been busy promoting my new photo studio http://www.thephotocoop.com and also testing my new medium format camera system. Below are a few images from recent shoots in my new studio with my new camera system: Mamiya 645 AFD III , Mamiya Dm22 Digital Back.

 

 

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

Up Your Game!

When you first start out in photography, you usually shoot what you have on hand, first. Fashion and glamour peeps, like me, look to family and friends to help build up content. It makes sense. Working with a familiar person is easy to schedule, you’re comfortable with them, and you won’t be afraid to try out new techniques. Eventually, you run out of family and all of your friends have modeling portfolios–that they may not need or want–so you have to step up your game.

What do you do when you want to move up to the next level? Below are a few tips for building up your portfolio.

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Tip #1: Gather A Team

Building up a solid group of specialists is the first order of business. Regardless of the type of photography you do, a team will help you produce better quality work. If you’re shooting people, look for a makeup artist (MUA), a hair stylist, and a wardrobe stylist or fashion designer. If you’re shooting images that don’t involve people, find specialists in your area of interest such as aspiring local chefs for food photography, orpassionate fossil hunters for macro shots. I can’t imagine how daunting this task was before the internet. Thanks, Al Gore!

Social network websites literally put thousands of professionals at your fingertips. It’s your cursor, really, but you get the idea.

Facebook, one of the most popular social media websites, is a great place to start. You can search for pages and groups dedicated to hair, makeup, fashion, local food, mushroom hunting, waterfall photography, scuba diving, and more. When you find one that you like, simply post a comment saying you are looking to work with artists in your area.

Model Mayhem is another great resource for people shooters. It’s a place where artists of all types gather in order to work on creative projects. Once you’re signed up, you can post a casting and choose the type of artists and talent you’re looking for. MM is made for bringing together creatives, so if people are your interest, this is a must.

Tip #2: Take Your Time

This is a concept I still have trouble with! Once you get cranking through editing, it’s tough to pull yourself away, but it’s absolutely necessary. Taking a break during any project will let your eyes and mind relax. When you pause for a time, you come back with renewed perspective. My advice: Zoom all the way out, set things down, and, if you can, sleep on it. You’ll come back refreshed.

Tip #3: Build A Proper Showcase

Create a website/portfolio. Check out the online portfolios of photographers that you admire. Think about why you like their work, what draws you in, what makes you stay, what you like about the concept or layout, and what you can do better.

Combine the information you gather with the trends in the market. How do you plan to share your work? Do you plan to print your shots or is an iPad sufficient? This will tie in with the type of work that you want to go after. Assuming that you want to chase after paid gigs, of course.

As a final step, make an update plan, too. You don’t want your work to get stale, but you don’t want to update it after every shoot. Balance the amount of work you produce with the amount of time you spend in constructing your portfolio. You don’t want it to become a mindless chore. Always keep your wits about you and ask others for feedback. You’re only as strong as your weakest shot so be willing to listen to constructive criticism.

Tip #4: Network

Once you have a team, awesome editing practices, and a rock-solid portfolio, you’re ready to show it to the world. You’ll have to use a little savvy in the marketplace to start making waves. You can do this with a number of techniques. Most importantly, learn to make the internet your friend.

Take every opportunity to grow your online presence. You can start by being active on popular photography forums, on Facebook, Twitter, G+, or other social media channels. Connect with every professional, organization, and manufacturer that you admire, and keep up with what they’re doing, too. You’ll find there are plenty of opportunities to have your work featured if you keep your eye out for it.

Paid gigs will force you to perform in a more professional way, so I recommend chasing after work even if photography is just a hobby. When money is on the table, you’ll find that you operate with a renewed sense of vigor. You can offer giveaways, groupons, or discounts to help you get more work, and advertising is an option as well.

Guest appearances are a great way to grow publicity online. You could, for example, guest write articles for different companies. The larger audience of an established website is a great place to get your name out there. It’s not all about printed magazines, there are hundreds of other places to showcase what you do, or for you to share your knowledge on a certain subject. You can’t pay for that kind of publicity, so it’s worth a little time at the keyboard, or on set, to make up a solid article.

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http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

The Power of Social Media

Yesterday I photographed BTS and The Runway at a Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show. This was my first fashion show and I had a great time! We now live in a time where nearly everyone has access to the internet and social media and networking is one of the best ways to promote your work! Photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, wardrobe stylists, designers, models, etc… we all have business cards and we all exchanged cards at the show, there was NOT one card that didn’t have a website or Facebook or Twitter printed on them. Infact you can attach a QR code to your card, when scanned by your smart phone will automatically import the contact to your phone and sometimes take you to a social media site.

My personal example of the power of social media comes from simply posting a photo to a wall. Ian Ziering, actor from 90210 and Sharknado walked the runway and I got some great shots of him. When I got home form the show I uploaded the photos and posted 1 photo of Ian on my Twitter page (tagging him in the process) and also did the same on my Facebook book. I woke up this morning to find that he favorited my tweet and changed his Facebook profile picture to my photo! Which you can see here https://www.facebook.com/IanZiering?fref=ts

I have already gained likes to my page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Foord-Photography/151111961603741  and have a feeling I will be getting many more!

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com

Breaking Through!

What’s the best thing to do when you get photographer’s block? Shoot something! Recruit friends, family, bring the dog, bribe your neighbors, order a pizza and kidnap the delivery person, whatever it takes. Get out there and start clicking.

This is exactly what I did for this series. First I blackmailed begged a model friend of mine to pose for me, then I put a post on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to throw water on a model and learn something about photography. I didn’t specify the gender of the model–I thought it might help get more responses. I got 3 responses on Facebook, and my team was complete.

The Location and Lighting Set-up

If you’re like me, you have a 2000 sq ft. studio with roof access, an indoor pool, and lots-and-lots of big windows–I WISH! In reality, I usually shoot in my garage even though its tough to set up lights around the garage door opener. Sometimes i’ll shoot on location in a public place. For this shoot, my location couldn’t have been easier, or more budget friendly, I used the street in front of my house.

For lighting I used 2 strobes with reflectors and grids, both were high up on stands to ensure the water wouldn’t reach them. Always err on the side of safety then mixing water and electricity. The strobes were placed on either side of the model, the main aimed slightly in front and the other slightly behind. I set them both to pop at full power.

Next, I metered the light. I use a meter religiously. Proper procedure is to put the light meter underneath the model’s chin and aim it at the light, not the lens. My shutter speed was set to 1/125 with 100 ISO. The meter gave me an aperture of 5.6. I repeated the above steps for the 2nd strobe to confirm the results. Setup time, including running extension cords, setting up the lights, and metering took about 20 minutes.

The Fun Part

DANG IT!

With my camera settings in place I was ready to shoot. By this time, I’m getting excited. Now I finally get to play photographer. I had two water throwers stand opposite each other next to the light stands. When I counted to three, I had them sling the water at the victim.

My camera settings were spot on, the lighting looked great, but my timing was off. This happens more than I’d like to admit, but it’s something that everyone has done before. Don’t panic. My ‘keepers’ rule of thumb is for every 100 photos I take, I want to get about 10 keepers. Out of the keepers, I’m happy with one shot that makes me say “Wow.”

Retouching

Below are two of my choice photos of the set. Yes!–one of them is out of focus. Was it intentional? Absolutely not, but I am drawn to it, and that’s all that matters. Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinion when it comes to your creativity. You’re the artist, your opinion is the only one that matters on personal projects. When you’re working for a client, their opinion trumps your own.

After I selected my favorite photos–9 out of the 50–the retouching portion was very straight forward. I did some minor sharpening and added a color cast with Exposure. I used the preset Kodachrome – Cyan Shift, one of my favorites. I completed the shots by cropping the photos to 5×7 and square.

Conclusion

When photographer’s block hits, just like it does to everyone, try something new. Give a new lighting setup a try, you’re welcome to use what I did. Grab a couple of buddies and have your own water splash shoot. Dust your camera off and shoot something, anything! Get friends and family involved, but most importantly have fun.

http://www.andrewfoordphotography.com