The Power of That Extra 1%.

Unleashing Your Unique Style

In the world of photography, the art of editing is a powerful tool that can take your images from ordinary to extraordinary. Going that extra 1% in your editing process can make a huge difference and help you develop your own unique style. Today, let's explore the benefits of investing that additional effort in refining your photos.

First and foremost, dedicating time and effort to your editing allows you to unleash your creativity. Experimenting with various techniques and adjustments enables you to craft your own distinct style, setting you apart from others and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Attention to detail is another significant advantage of going that extra mile in editing. By refining colors, adjusting exposure, and sharpening fine details, you create a polished and professional look that captivates viewers and draws them deeper into the story your photo tells.

Moreover, the emotional connection you establish with your audience through your editing choices is incomparable. The right colors, tones, and textures can evoke powerful emotions, allowing your viewers to feel a personal connection to your work.

Authenticity is a key factor in today's visual world. By investing that additional 1% in editing, you create an authentic representation of your artistic vision. Embracing your individuality and style will set you apart from those who rely on generic editing techniques, making your work stand out.

Lastly, the pursuit of that extra 1% drives personal growth and improvement. As you continuously challenge yourself and explore new editing techniques, you'll witness your skills evolve and flourish.

In conclusion, embracing that extra 1% in your photo editing journey is about much more than just improving the final image; it's about embracing your artistic identity, evoking emotions, and making a genuine impact on your audience. So, let your creativity soar, enjoy the process, and watch as your photography evolves into a true reflection of your unique style. Happy editing!

Shooters Block and Me.

If you've ever heard of Writer's Block, you know the feeling of that dark cloud looming over your creative pursuits, hindering productivity for days, weeks, or even years. Well, that's precisely what hit me in late 2019, except it wasn't about writing; it was about my beloved photography. The transition to Creative Fine Art photography back in 2015 had already slowed down my production, as each shoot demanded more time and effort to develop my unique style. At that time, I was primarily collaborating with one talented local model, and while she was incredible, I began to sense a hint of staleness creeping into my work by mid-2019.

Realizing the need to breathe new life into my art, I decided to take a break to rework my future shoot ideas and rekindle the fire within me. But fate had its own plans, and just as I was contemplating this hiatus, 2020 struck with the infamous Covid pandemic. It was a year that challenged us all, and I found myself unable to summon any creative inspiration. My camera gathered dust, and my passion seemed to have taken an unanticipated sabbatical.

In the following year, I tried to reignite my artistic spark, but more often than not, I couldn't bring myself to click the shutter, even when I had ample free time. While I attended a few meetup group shoots, connecting with new models in the industry, it was evident that time had its way of changing things. Many familiar faces had moved on to new endeavors, and the dynamics of the photography world had evolved.

As four years passed with minimal photographic output, my camera remained idle as I sought solace in reediting old photographs and exploring novel editing techniques. Though I can't claim that my creative block has entirely dissipated, I can proudly declare that I am finally ready to embrace the art once again. The yearning to create has resurfaced, and I find myself itching to connect with models and embark on new photographic journeys.

Now, as I contemplate reaching out to models and planning fresh shoots, a mixture of excitement and apprehension fills me. What will this renewed chapter hold? How will my art evolve? These questions, once daunting, now propel me forward into the unknown, eager to embrace the challenges and rewards of my craft.

In conclusion, artistic blocks are a natural part of the creative process. As artists, we must navigate through these tumultuous waters, seeking solace in patience, self-discovery, and the knowledge that every ebb will eventually lead to a flow. So, here's to new beginnings, to capturing fleeting moments, and to the passion that drives us forward in the pursuit of our artistic dreams. Let the journey begin!

My Typical Editing Workflow

Here is a short video showing my editing workflow for an image I took a few years back. This wasn’t a planned out edit or anything so you will see me mess up a few times and work through how I want to take the image. My usual editing flow starts out in Lightroom where I do as much of the basics as possible. From there I will take the image into Photoshop and do any heavy lifting edits. With the style I like for my images I tend to use Nik Software a lot as well. After I do any changes in photoshop or plugins I take the image back into Lightroom for any final adjustments.