My Technique
My limited edition pictures take on the look and feel of a traditional watercolor painting compared to a standard photographic picture, though at a distance my pictures would appear to be that of just a photograph. The final pictures of art that I create were once digital photographs enhanced using various digital retouching techniques.
After I download my photographs to the computer, I go through a series of steps to create the final pictures. I start by using an industry standard program Adobe Photoshop. I not only use this program for creating my pictures but also during my day job as a Web Design Specialist. I love the program so much so that I joined the National Association of Photoshop Professionals to continue learning new features. If you're serious about editing photos, then this is the software you will want to purchase. Not only do I use this for my pictures but also for my daily work as a Web/Graphic designer.
Each Photo Luster (Glossy) pictures are produced one at a time on Photo Luster archival fine art stock.
Each Enhanced Textured (Watercolor) picture is produced one at a time on Somerset 225 gsm acid-free Watercolor stock.
The inks used when printing are pigment-based and rated for lightfastness at approximately 80 years. For added protection, they are coated with an ultra-violet resistant sealant.
By printing each issue myself with an 8 color giclée process, I am able to ensure high quality standards so as to offer the discriminating buyer a strong selection of work.
Framing Recommendations
You can have your picture custom framed at a local framing shop in your city, or I would recommend the following frames from Amazon.com. I use these frames myself and they are equal in quality to custom frames.
For the Large 19"x13" and 13"x19" pictures you will want to purchase the Satin Black Picture Frame - New - Solid Wood for just $14.99+shipping.
For the Small 10"x8" and 8"x10" pictures you will want to purchase the Solid Country Black Picture Frame - Solid Wood-New for just $8.99+shipping
Photography Tips
Now is a great time if you would like to get into digital photography. Point and shoot digital cameras work but if you want a camera that will give you the most flexibility and typically has the largest file sizes, you'll want to go with a digital SLR camera. I suggest Canon products, as I have enjoyed the results with my gear; however other companies make equally good products such as Nikon.
Below are a few tips when choosing a digital camera:
- Don't overspend for your needs: if you're just getting started there are some good digital cameras for $150.
- Point-and-shoot cameras work for everyday needs if you're just wanting to "capture the moment".
- Point-and-shoot cameras typically come with some type of video recording options.
- Compact is not necessarily better as it limits the amount of glass in the lens and limits battery power within the camera itself.
- Larger megapixels doesn't per se make your camera a good camera. True, the more megapixels the better but you will also want to consider the quality of the lens.
- Digitial SLR's typically do not have video recording options but that's changing. There are already some HD Digital SLR's available.
- Digital SLR cameras with a quality lens will allow more creative control.
- Some Digital SLR cameras can allow you to load mulitple batteries into the camera.
- Digital SLR cameras are the industry standard when it comes to professional photography.
- Read the latest reviews on the latest digital cameras, found at Digital Photography Review.
Below are a few tips when taking digital photographs:
- Settings: If your camera can shoot in RAW then always shoot in this setting. You will not loose any information in your picture as you would in a JPG setting.
- Light/Flash: You'll be amazed at how the light can make a big difference in your photograph. If you're using a DSLR with an attached flash, then try bouncing the light off of walls to create interesting effects.
- Composing: A good composition will make your photograph really pop! Try composing your subject off center. When doing so everything is not symmetrical which is natural. Also try composing a picture that has three "subjects" in it, since three typically creates a nice balance.
- More digital photography tips can be found here: Digital Photography School
