Jan 27
Craigs_action_cma_retouch1
Craigs Action CMA retouch. (this is the layer I will blend into the original
Jan 27
Cantrellc
Cantrell Couture Very V (I love this BW!)
Jan 27
Kobotagmwarm1
Final Iook. Kevin Kubota GM Warm w Grain
Jan 26

Photoshop Actions a recipe for Disaster?

I admit to being an Action's Junky and have considered joining a twelve step program.  Hey, admitting it is the first step.  All kidding aside, Photoshop actions can be a
fabulous addition to your digital portfolio if used in the proper way.  If used like a seasoning, very sparingly, they can enhance an already terrific image.  Used in a "hardcore" way, can be disastrous.  It can take a lovely image and turn it into a cheap looking "tricked up" picture. 
 
Notice in figure 1 the young woman's eyes.  By careful application of Craig's Actions CMA Retouching, Facial enhancement on the eyes,  I can draw attention to the feature I want to highlight.  Afterwards,  I got to thinking that the image might benefit from a bit of Kevin Kubota's Infrared to further enhance the eyes, and face.  I hope you find the image as impacting as I did.
 
My advice,  when considering the purchase of Photoshop Actions, think of them as recipes.  Just as a cook would not have just one cookbook, so the photographer benefits from many sets of Actions.  Believe me, I have them all,  Kevin Kubotas, Marcus Bells, Craigs Actions, NIK and oh,  my own two collections (Cantrell Couture Actions Volume 1 & 2)
One other piece of advice,  don't look at the 100% application of the Action when considering it's worth.  Look at the subtle tones, textures and overall personality of the action.  One of my favorite Photoshop actions of all time, NIK Software, Color Infrared,  looks just terrible at 100% however, if you use it on a single layer of your image and apply the application to just the iris of brown eyes, then you have a fabulous winner.


 
Bambi Cantrell
Cantrell Portrait Design, Inc.
www.cantrellportrait.com

Jan 25

Clutter Free and Content

As I was performing my Monday morning ritual, that of cleaning my house before I go to the office,  I couldn't help but notice how many "nic nac's" I was repeatedly picking up to dust under, and around.  My home was filled with stupid stuff I've had for years!  Everything from ceramic cat statues, (something I am sooo not into these days) to really old "foofoo" things brought from my mother's home after her death.  I couldn't help but think of how one's taste in things changes over the years.  The things I thought were totally adorable ten years ago.. ok maybe twenty years ago,  were creeping me out now. So in keeping with my ritual, I took a couple of boxes,  ok, several boxes, and took all of the nonessentials, the silly stuffed cats given to me by friends long ago, the ceramic duck soap despensor and matching dish, not forgetting the many things collected at my moms home and packed them up to be given to charity.  (Have you been to a thrift store lately?  well it is the stock house for household stuff.  )   What was left behind were all of those beautiful photographs of family and dear friends.  Isn't it funny that pictures never seem to go out of style.  Photographs alone can conjour up memories , and happy times long ago buried in the recesses of one's mind.  Talk about the gift that keeps on giving...

What is next to go?  How about all of those crazy kitchen appliances I thought I needed! Anyone want a Vegomatic?

Bambi Cantrell

DeCluttere Clear Thinker

 

 

Oct 20
Suzanne Bird Amazing Animal photos!

Here are some of Suzanne Bird's beautiful animal photography.

Leibeblog Suebird2 Suebird5
Oct 14

Suzanne Bird Amazing Animal Photog.

Sue Bird's Biography:

 

Sue's background leading to an animal lifestyle photography career came from a combination of a University Degree in Sociology, a college diploma in Photojournalism, mixed with 10 years as a staff newspaper photographer at 3 major daily newspaper across the province of Ontario, Canada. During her ten years as a photojournalist, Sue's photographs captured numerous national news awards as well as an awarded spot at the incredible Eddie Adams Barnstorm workshop in New York. 

 

The last news feature story Sue worked on was the catalyst that directed Sue to take a leap of faith and re-examine how her news photography career was either impacting or not impacting people the way she wanted, artistically, emotionally and personally. 

 

Sue spent 8 months documenting a dying homeless man named "Jack" at the local mission palliative care unit. She was with Jack when he took his final breath and spent hours learning about Jack's "could have's & should have's" in life. Jack's failures and choices in life reminded Sue to respect the time we have here, to make an impact and to choose how and when to make that impact. Sue chose to leave her career in newspaper, dedicate more time with her two young girls and  slowly build her animal lifestyle photography business from home as Canada's Urban Dog Photog. Combining her love to tell stories through photography and her innate ability to capture these furry little souls, Sue has created an award winning combination for editorial and private commissioned clients. 

 

What's in my Bag? Currently shoot Nikon, I have a very simple kit, I need to be on the go and have freedom to move with my subjects.: 

Jill E camera bag,  Nikon d700 & 1 back up Nikon body, 70-200 2.8, 35-70 2.8, 2 off camera flashes, pocket wizard transmitter & 2 receivers, couple of stands & umbrella, 1 reflector, a few holga toy cameras ....and lots of doggie treats! 

 

Post Production and Marketing : Light Room 2, CS3,  Kubota actions, Portrait Life Embellishments, V Gallery designs,  Design A Glow templates & hundreds of dollars invested in all kinds of magazines for ideas and design inspiration.

Oct 05

Suzanne Byrd Amazing Pet Photographer

In my search for new talent, I came across an amazing photographer who'se work I just had to acknowledge.  I couldn't put her in the "Young Guns" catagory since she has been photographing for over 10 years, but felt the body of work was so strong, fresh, and just plain interesting, I had to feature it in My Legends catagory.  Congratulations Suzanne Byrd owner of http://www.photobysuebird.com/ 

Suzanne will be submitting images and "how too's" shortly.  Stay tuned!

Oct 05

Young Guns Features DeEtte Sallee

Last month I decided to feature young talented photographers who I felt were trend setters in the industry.  I looked for a fresh approach, a photographer who understood composition, lighting, and knew an fstop from a bus stop.  I looked for someone who was creative, and across the board expressed that talent.  I reviewed over 500 portfolio's and must say it was no easy decision.  I eventually came to my decision based upon the strength of the entire portfolio. 

Congratulations DeEtte Sallee.  DeEtte will be sending me some images to post,  but in the meantime, feel free to view her gorgeous work at http://salleephotography.com/wordpress2/

Sep 11
Posing to flatter the subject

Even the Masters make mistakes.. yes I took all three images, but notice that I failed to flatter the subject in image number 1. Notice how much heavier she looks. Why? Reason 1. I have pushed the hip towards the camera, thus it is closer to the lense than the face, adding at least 10+ lbs to her. Notice in image number 2 that her arms are away from the body as well. So if we should pose the subject with the arms away from the body, why does the pose in image #3 work? It is because a large portion of the brides dress is in the shadow areas, and I am photographing from the short side giving her a slim shape.

For more posing demonstrations, my DVD #3 "The Language of Lighting and Posing" demonstrates in a very effective way, poses for the plus sized bride as well as those for slim girls.

Bambi Bambi Cantrell

Bf Aft _c1_0877
Sep 11
Steve and Jackie Sheanin

I had the honor of photographing the recent wedding of Steven Sheanin (Owner of Rangefinder Publishing and WPPI) to long time love Jackie Applebaum in Beverly Hills, California.

Former Governer of California Gray Davis performed the beautiful ceremony.

Steve and Jackie's grandchildren walked them down the isle.

Sheanin__290_of_832_-edit Sheanin__317_of_832_-bwcopy Sheanin__341_of_832_-edit_copy Sheanin__347_of_832_-edit Sheanin__537_of_832_-edit Sheanin__385_of_832_-edit Sheanin__640_of_832_-edit Sheanin__627_of_832_-edit
Sep 11
Tiffany and Alex' lil lady in blue

Here are a few images I shot recently of Tiffany and Alex Pidilla's daughter. I am working on a new concept in print treatment, and am treating some of the images as very hi key.

Bambi Cantrell

_c1_0432-edit _c1_0473 _c1_0501-edit _c1_0460-edit _c1_0545-edit _c1_0668-edit
Sep 11
Young Gun - Kostas Mallios

This collection of images were captured by an amazing photographer, Kostas Mallios.

All were captured with a Nikon D300 Camera using auto exposure. Image # 1 and 3 were shot at 2.8 @640 with an ISO of 400.

Image #2 was shot from a helicopter and is a photograph of glacier run off. It was shot at f 5.6 @ 500. sec at ISO 400. It has been digitally enhanced using Cantrell Couture Photoshop Actions Volume II. Grunge Gabanna on a layer. Blending mode was Overlay.

Image 4 (my personal favorite) was shot with the Nikon D300 Camera body using a 24-70 mm lense 2.8 @ 640th sec. ISO 400 This image was also captured from the air, this time, from a small airplane. Notice the people laying in the water? This images is amazing up close and personal! Kostas was kind enough to give me a copy for my home. Photoshop enhancement was done using Cantrell Couture Photoshop Actions Volume II Glam Goddess on a layer with an opacity of 20%

Horsesk2web Dsc_8780web Iceland20090820_007web Kostas_bathersweb
Sep 11

Young Guns New Kids on the Block

This page is being devoted to photographers who are new to the photo industry.  Let's say 3 years and less in the business.  I hope to have some inspirational Young Guns for all of us to be inspired by soon.  To be considered as a Young Gun,  submit your website portfolio, and I will review it for consideration.  If selected, you will need to submit a small collection of images with instructions on how you shot it, and include any PS work as well.

Sep 11
_40e2941_copy_2
Light and sculpting the body