Photo Manipulation | Wanderlust [II of III]

res·fe·ber (n.) — The restless race of a traveller's heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together; a "travel fever" that can manifest as an illness (Origin Swedish)

It's always been about a journey beginning—even if I have a theory that it always rains on the last day. "Restless" isn't necessarily the constant state that I like to think about (contentment is best), but I found this word today and like this word and definition better.

Again, more understated than other endeavors, but simple enough to continue the series. Next and last one will take the journey into fruition, so rest easy—our girl gets to where she's aiming :)

[ W A N D E R L U S T ] II of III

Before and after, PS Breakdown to come

The Model:  Keri Mau
The Stuff:  Canon 5D Mkiii, 16-35mm f2.8 L-series, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
The Partners in Crime:  Chet Williams, Ryan Lim, Roy Lim, Addison Huong, Jeremiah Waworoendeng

Photo Manipulation | Wanderlust [I of III]

A bit more subtle and understated than my previous surrealism, however this is actually an exercise in a couple techniques I wanted to learn. Plus it's been a while since I flexed the digital paintbrush.

I've been caught up in simple and beautiful wanderlust photography, so that's what this is about. Also wanting to refine the skills of enhancing an artistic image realistically—

"So if you look at it and say, 'Um...she barely did anything.' Good on ya :) That's the point."

[ W A N D E R L U S T ] I of III

Before and after, PS Breakdown to come

The Model:  Keri Mau
The Stuff:  Canon 5D Mkiii, 16-35mm f2.8 L-series, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
The Partners in Crime:  Chet Williams, Ryan Lim, Roy Lim, Addison Huong, Jeremiah Waworoendeng

Candis Cont. | Huntress & Butterfly PS Breakdown

I've thus returned from a fantastic wedding weekend and got to wrap up the two part series for Candis!

This one was pretty straightforward, so there won't be a Photoshop Breakdown for this one, however you'll find the video for the previous one, BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES, at the end.

For those who are curious, I had the Mongolian eagle huntress in mind when I edited this one (even if Candis' companion is a hawk).  Fantastic shots taken by Asher Svidensky — you should for sure look them up.

~Divertitevi~

[ H U N T R E S S ]
*Candis | Etc.*

[ PS Breakdown | B I R D S & B U T T E R F L I E S ]

Birds & Butterflies | Candis

So much whimsical-ness in one person, seriously!  I've known this chica for over a decade now and her take on life is such a playful fantasy that you can't help but get caught up with her.  Keep in mind this girl is studying criminal justice, is an Asian at heart, and swing/contra/salsa dances on the side (gotta keep those Latin roots happy, now).  

After the Elements series, she approached me about her graduation photos and wanted to have fun with them.  So she came up with a couple [awesome] concept boards that were forest themed and we ran with it.

~Divertitevi~

This is one of two:

[B I R D S  &  B U T T E R F L I E S]  

*Photoshop breakdown*

Behind the Scenes | Photoshop Breakdown [EARTH]

For those coming late into the game, the whole purpose of this was to learn how to use a light modifier I'd just gotten and wanted to experiment with; 

"...one jazzed Facebook thread later, and we had models, a location, a styler, a coach and a bunch of crazy photographers just out for a good time."

When it came apparent it was going to involve photo-manipulation, I got super excited because it hasn't been something I've been able to explore often.  I'd done a few projects in college and enjoyed doing tutorials, but never went to this scale and I LOVED it.  Hands down, it's going to happen again; it was such a blast.  

Seriously, surround yourself with creative and awesome people up for adventure; it will do wonders for your mojo.  

Anyway, as I said before, this was the first set-up, so Matt was there to help me get the ball rolling...

Cactus V5 Tranceivers for those who want to know...(Photo Credit:  Logan Foll)

Setting up the first shot — originally was going to have them on the couch, but later went with the desk.  (PC: Jonathan Morua)

The lovely Gloria, Rachel and stylist/fellow photog Aimee Burchard.  (PC: Logan Foll)

Setting up shot; compositionally worked better to later have Rachel on a different level. (PC: Logan Foll)

One huge thing to figure out (besides the balance between ambient light and the strobe), was where to place the light.  It seemed to lack that "punch" I was looking for.  Then I remembered what Matt told me before he had to leave:  The closer the light, the more contrasty.  I should've remembered from lighting class (sorry David).

It's the difference between bad 90s flash and Vogue...

Moved the light closer.  Boom.

Aight kids, it's been fun!  Thanks for joining me for the last bit.

'Til next time...