Thursday, January 14, 2010

Photographers


, originally uploaded by coolhandluke.


I've recently been really inspired by a certain kind of photography: gritty and real and untouched unless it's for lighting and vignetting. Luke Byrne pretty much documents a lifestyle and makes it look like there's nothing to it. It looks so carefree and genuine, not touched up in a way to make its subjects look luscious, shiny, and perfect. I didn't know how to post more than one picture from him so I had to go through and pick one. This one is so gorgeous with the light in the center and the man walking through the water. It reminds me of clouds. 
To see more click here.





Another is Todd Richardson, who has a uniform processing style and applies it to every photo so all of his pictures have a similar look. 




 
He shared with one of my favorite blogs, kitsunenoir, how he edits his photos. 
"I do all of my post-processing in Photoshop. I try to apply the same treatment – or variations thereof – to all of my photos. Some of these treatments originated from a Photoshop action I came across a while back. Over time, and from much trial and error, I was able to develop a post-processing regimen that provides the effect I’ve always wanted for my work – a kind of warm, vintage Polaroid look. I like soft tones and low saturation – nothing too loud.
Specifically, my post-processing routine consists of adding a fill layer (magenta), sepia de-saturation, and a vignette affect (depending on the photograph). Saturation and contrast are also adjusted. This is all pretty standard in digital manipulation. You might notice that a few of my photographs look slightly washed-out in the center; this effect is achieved through a center fill light.
I apply the same treatment to all of my work for consistency. I want my work to have a particular aesthetic. I find it distracting when a photographer employs several dissimilar effects across their portfolio, and distraction can sabotage some really great work. Ultimately, a photograph is only as good as its composition. I want the compositions to be the focus."
I am definitely going to be a copycat and try that out soon.
See more of Todd Richardson's work here.
(found via kitsunenoir)