Location Scouting

I have been keeping an eye out for different cool places around the valley for various shoots. I have always known about Downtown Mesa but never really ventured out there. Before Thanksgiving dinner I snuck out to wander around and see what I could come up with, and I was not disappointed! I can't wait to take some subjects there and take advantage of the bold colors {right up my alley} and unique architecture. 

JAK

Official Logo

It is finally here... My official logo curtsey of Adam Furtado. I love it!

Before & After

I am working on some editing from a shoot today with Nikita, and this photo in particular made a great before and after shot. 

These are coming out so great I can't wait to finish! Who needs food? And water? 

JAK

Wide Angle Lens

I went on a hunt to try and find the wild horses of the Salt River, but had no luck finding them. At least I got to play with the beautiful landscape with my 10-24mm wide angle lens.

AZ Ghost Town

This weekend I went to an Arizona ghost town in order to get some western type shots. It was a great day and I found locations that I wasn't even expecting!

 

Photoshopping Style

I love playing with Photoshop and trying different looks. I lean towards sharp details, contrast and bright colors to give a dramatic feel to the images I feel is pretty powerful. I also like photos that have a grunge edge to them, although I am still fine tuning those skills. Here are a few before and afters from a shoot I did with my dog, Nikita, at my house.

I rented a 70-200mm f2.8 USM lens for this shoot, and although I loved it, I think I want to go with the IS lens. This will probably be the next lens added to my collection if/when I can finally pull the trigger. 

Before:
108mm / ISO 200 / f2.8 / shutter speed 1/500

 

After: this one doesn't require too much editing because I love the original shot. Just a couple items to give it a little pop. This is often my go to image to try different looks from the super grunge to soft vintage. 

Before:
120mm / ISO 800 / f2.8 / shutter speed 1.30

After: Something else I really want to practice more of is black and white editing. I felt these photos were perfect due to the lighting on her face and outlining her head.

 Before:
165mm / ISO 800 / f2.8 / shutter speed 1/30

Here is one more before and after of Nikita up in Payson, AZ. This one exemplifies more of my stlye; the color of the grass is brighter, the rock stands out more, and there is more detail in Nikita's fur with more texture.
50mm / ISO 200 / f4.5 / shutter speed 1/320

Happy photo editing!

JAK