I have been wanting to write this for awhile regarding my style -
One may ask: Why write about photographic style? Because, photographic style is a lot more than what meets the eye for my clients and for myself and I am an educator at heart!
I guess, you can say I am drawn to a lot of color and texture, that film-like feel in all my work - Let me begin by saying that this was not developed overnight.
Understanding the photographic community. Clearly in the photo-industry is pulled apart by the way the photographer comes across with their work, their editing style, their posing - It takes years to develop not just a style... But, in a niche that you are the best at.
Personally, weddings and portraiture including commercial work have stolen my creative heart!
When clients are looking for family portrait photographer while they are vacationing or simply reuniting, I know this might very important time spent together, as my families may engage in the many logistical senses such as the added investment for a family photographer, they must like their photographer's style...
I am extremely fortunate and my families fall in-love with my work - [And, I love this so much] while making their decision to commission me for their special time based on my style, services, and feel while valuing the work I produce, they are seeking structure, experience and passion that will be delivered in their photographs above it all.
Let's dive in on the whys, shall we?
Why am I so obsessed with color + textures?
Having shot film in the past and having been 'exposed' to the different film types and their developing process, its dynamics and then the transition process to digital allowed me to discover that one thing... Digital offers: the ability to see your images relatively right away. However, this digital imaging has made photography fast paced, fast delivered and an instantly rewarding process, instead film has taken some sorta of a back seat [in a way] -
While Film photography is still an art honed by a few, and in essence a come back is making short strides in the industry, and while it realistically and dynamically in business, it truly has welcomed higher amount of digital camera users.
Understanding, that with the digital process and the many programs available to edit these images, not only started derating the colors and the textures in many captures taken with natural light and flash. But, also has made the process mindless by many - Yielding to digital camera users to high amount of exposures because perhaps one of them will be the lucky shot. This is what is called 'spray and pray' - Experience allows you to aim at the right image and getting the one shot wanted to tell that story.
The one thing film ALWAYS offered was the gorgeous grain, along with the ability to think-thought the process of capturing the image one wanted - While in digital process, 98% of the captures are in such depth of detail - [which is fantastic for commercial and product work - No lie! ] - And, although there is nothing wrong with that detail in photographic process; when it comes to weddings and family portraiture, I personally romanticize all color's richness in its natural state, the light and airy feel, the softness and large part of me does not agree with a washed out feel or overly warm photos (But, of-course - think of the mood at that instant)
For example, imagine a the beautiful summer colors, skies and tones of the ocean as well as the selection in colors for your outfits not being captures along with the emotion and characteristics the group in your family looking washed out or even flat?
In my years of capturing families, I know that the reason why I am booked is because they choose to invest in images that reflect the real color and essence of their time at their summer vacation spot. Yes! I am the person who captures ALL that... This is a clear example of a very important detail in my workflow... This is why I am obsessed with color and textures.
Why Fuji Color Pro 400H?
Perhaps you may not know, but it is interesting to learn that in the past precise quality of film, the FCP-400H offered superb color reproduction. I have chased the emulation of the FUJICOLOR PRO 400H brand for years and finally found the perfect blend for digital to film-feel offered, and ever since I implemented it in my workflow - When I was thinking of the precise flow in my work for my clients, my style was re-born.
This emulation offers sensitivity to light, and provides everything from versatility and highly flexible film feel with enhanced color reproduction to a certain sharpness with a smooth, fine grain.
This is how I can re-produce that feel without having to have my clients spend a lot more money for film photography. A value to my clients and a beautiful process for my artistic soul.
Why I emulate Film?
Why emulate? By obvious reasons stated such as time, efficiency, value and style!
To demonstrate this better, the processing of one of my images above - The first image on the left is straight out of my camera. [well, only hair on female client has been cleaned a little - the wind was crazy] also, it was shot on a cloudy day] It is a beautiful image taken at the beach, with 12+mph winds, and 85% humidity about 1 hr. before sunset in the summer -
The original on the left shows normal shadows, muted colors, flat blues all captured as light reacts different in heat - Is it a good picture? YES! By all means and purposes, yes, it is till a good picture. However, in my emulation process shown on the right of the same image I have applied the FCP-400H - Nothing more - Nothing less - You will notice a certain softness and pleasing tones. Making it more relatable.
You can also appreciate clarity in colors of all highlights and the appropriately controlled color-saturation in the shadows to allow rendering of the subject with a feeling of 3-D [three-dimensional] realism.
Here is the beauty of emulation that I bring to my work when you hire me - The process relies on the faithful color reproduction of any given scene under a wide variety of lighting scenarios.
When printing images that are emulated with my process, your prints will deliver uniformity and colorful memories with gorgeous tonality.
Being a professional I want to bring understanding in the work and experience I provide. I believe this is very important to you: my client.
I am so thankful to be able to explain - I appreciate you for reading this post. And taking interest in learning more about me...