Matt Molloy

A photographer I have recently discovered is Matt Molloy, whose ‘time stack’ work is inimitable. When first reading the term ‘time stack’, it was easy to link the reference to star trail photographs. However, I discovered that this term can also refer to time stacks created during the daytime!

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

In a blog titled ‘Tutorial: Time Stack’ published by Alexandra Kim, Molloy has generously shared how he achieves the time stack technique. He describes how to create time stacks, time-lapse source material needed and stacking multiple photos into one image. He has also provided a YouTube video, which visually shows you the time stack process. See the following link to watch the video and read how to create your own time stack: http://500px.com/blog/1051/tutorial-time-stack

'Smeared Sky' by Matt Molloy

Describing the ‘Smeared Sky’ image, Molloy states that it was ‘made from 500 photos, [and] is the first sunset time-lapse I tried the stacking method with. I was surprised with the outcome, but even more so with the feedback. It wasn't long before it went viral. I was getting lots of emails, some asking questions about the technique and others hoping to share it on their website or blog. Milky Way Scientists shared it on their Facebook page, and it got 12,000 likes and 4,000 shares on the first day it was up. I was blown away!’ (http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/shooting/time-collapse.html#.U2TX0I2KDug)

'Sunset Spectrum' by Matt Molloy

One of my favourite photographs created by Molloy is ‘Sunset Spectrum’. It displays an open field with a barn situated to the left side of the frame. The colours in the sky are beautiful; rich and vivid. It appears as if an artist has painted layer upon layer of numerous colours to create texture, perspective and an almost three-dimensional canvas painting.

I am intrigued by this style of photography. It is a wonderful concept that is contemporary, unique and innovative. By posting this work for public viewing, Molloy has been an inspiration to many.  His work not only challenges photographers to experiment with time stacking processes, but also encourages those who view his works, to journey into previously unknown creative realms. I am one who has been inspired. It is definitely a current emerging trend which I believe will grow increasingly popular in the years to come.

The following is a link to his website: http://500px.com/MattMolloy

Some more photographs by Matt Molloy:

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Posted by Chelsea

Caryn Esplin

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

High Dynamic Range, or HDR for short, is becoming a widespread technique used by photographers, such as Caryn Esplin, who are keen to try their hand at distinctive creativity. This technique is also available to iPhone, as well as some Android users, where a HDR feature has been built-in to the phone’s camera capabilities. There is also the option to download the ‘Pro HDR’ app from App Stores.

As a talented and imaginative photographer, Esplin has taken photographic techniques, such as light painting and HDR, and combined them to create remarkable and effective photographs. Her portfolio also covers Macro, People, Places and Things. Esplin states that ‘photography and graphic design are some of my favourite distractions in life, so teaching something I love, couldn't be any better.’ (http://www.carynesplin.com/blog/)

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Esplin’s website not only showcases her work but also explains what goes on behind-the-scenes. Periodically, she explains the story or reason behind her images, how she achieved the end results and includes a step-by-step guide to assist others achieve similar outcomes. I believe that by sharing this additional information, it indicates Esplin’s willingness to disclose the ‘secret’ techniques and thought process behind her photographs. Many photographers do not explain the process required to achieve their end results, so perhaps this signifies a new trend which Esplin has started, encouraging other photographers to also share their artistic reasoning with others.

Many areas of photography are adopted by Esplin, however, one particular style to which I am drawn is the HDR photographs. These images are created by obtaining a few, or several, photographs at different exposures, then manipulating these images in a program by ‘layering’ one on top of the other. HDR can produce somewhat surreal or futuristic effects, which appear almost imaginary or pretend.

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

One particular photograph features a train and track situated in front of a large wooden building and silos. The resulting effects are produced by using a combination of techniques such as bracketing, light painting, HDR and Camera Raw. Esplin states that she achieved this result by firstly setting up her camera on a tripod at sunset and taking three exposures, also known as bracketing. Next, she painted the facing side of the large building in the foreground, with a light source. Esplin then opened the images in a program called Photomatix to achieve the HDR effect. Lastly, she edited the colours in Camera Raw. All of these steps combined create an interesting concept and effective images. Visit this link to learn more about how Esplin achieved her final result: http://www.carynesplin.com/bracketing-light-painting-hdr-camera-raw/

The following are a few more photographs by Caryn Esplin:

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Posted by Chelsea

Jean-Charles Debroize

Jean-Charles Debroize must have had a very disturbing childhood, or so you would assume when you look at these images.  He is an Art director and digital retouching artist for Creative Agency Kerozen based in France.  His work may not have universal appeal, but it is a unique twist in the advertising world, and after all, isn’t that what advertising is all about.  It may inspire other photographers to challenge the boundaries of their imagination.

Debroize transformed members of his campaign team into letter people. Not the cute cuddly kind from Sesame Street, but rather deformed little creatures that might haunt your dreams, but there is something endearing about these weird little letters with skin, eyes, and hair.

These images are not necessarily representative of his work generally, but designed for a specific campaign.  To create each image, Debroize shaped each letter with modeling clay, then he created flesh-based tones in Photoshop based off the design team members who agreed to have their features turned into a letter to spell out the company name. Debroize explains, “We shot pictures of the letters and of the design team’s faces. Then I made a mapping of skin textures on the letters with Photoshop and added the hair and the eyes. It was not a problem to show an unflattering image of us. We laughed a lot making this.”

Photographed by Jean-Charles Debroize

Photographed by Jean-Charles Debroize

Photographed by Jean-Charles Debroize

Photographed by Jean-Charles Debroize

Check out more brilliance from the team on Kerozen at http://www.studio-kerozen.com

Posted by Alex

Katerina Plotnikova

W.C. Fields said “Never work animals or children” and in this day and age, with the wonders of post editing, it is surprising that Russian photographer Katerina Plotnikova works with both of these to create sensual and inspiring visual fairy-tales.

In a world filled with Photoshop, these pictures are real. The mysterious Moscow-based photographer has been creating a surreal world filled with wild animals and beautiful women. The result looks like a fairy tale come to life.

The raw power and size of many of these animals, including tigers, bears, bats, giraffes and elephants contrasts strikingly with the poses of Plotnikova’s graceful models.  Each scene shows an underlying mystical quality, one that speaks of some deep spiritual communication beyond our everyday world.

If you think taking pictures with bears and tigers seems a bit dangerous, each of the images was made with the help of professional trainers, there at every moment and sensitive to the needs of the animals involved.   The set up for each photo shoot is huge.  In addition to the beautiful human models, who come with their own entourage of hair and make up artists and stylists, the animals require trainers and in addition, transport and food for these models [and hopefully a fully stocked first aid kit].  On location shoots require numerous assistants.  So it raises the question, why does Plotnikova choose to go so far to create these images when Photoshop is a cheaper [and let’s face it, safer] option?  It can be argued that for authenticity, Plotnikova chooses this option over post editing and she has obviously built up a trusted team willing to help her realize her every fantasy.  However, I am unsure of the legality of handling wildlife this way in Australia and further where you would find models who are brave enough to pose. 

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

Photographed by Katerina Plotnikova

See more images of Plotnikova and her assistants creating these impressive scenes on http://vk.com/katerina__plotnikova or see more of her work on https://www.facebook.com/KaterinaPlotnikovaPhotography and http://500px.com/katerina_plotnikova

Posted by Alex

An eBook by Julia Kuzmenko McKim

“Digital Photo Retouching: Beauty, Fashion & Portrait Photography eBook” by Julia Kuzmenko McKim is a publication I came across when I was researching Photoshop tutorials.  It is designed for both amateur and professional photographers who edit their work in Adobe Photoshop.  It is suggested that the book is aimed at intermediate and advanced Photoshop users.  The eBook combines text, photo images as well as “how to” video footage to inspire and educate.  The tutorials are easy to follow, user friendly and cover topics such as retouching tools and techniques for face, skin and hair.  The author shares her knowledge and expertise covering everything from how to prepare your model for a beauty photo shoot to efficient and time-saving retouching workflow.

McKim is a successful internationally published photographer, retoucher and educator and she has capitalized on this background to produce an eBook where most of the techniques are described and demonstrated in the video tutorials.  This digital book is created for visual artists, and visual artists learn best from watching, not reading so there is not a lot of text to wade through.  Additionally, there are photography tips, which will help you to avoid creating retouching problems before the images are photographed. 

Photographers who are looking to add that something special or finishing touch to your fashion shoot portraiture or photo art, this eBook will help to lift your standard from the mundane to the next level.

Buy the book here: http://www.retouchingebooks.com/shop/mad-artist-ebook/

Posted by Alex