Creating With Photoshop

     I think I’m at my most creative when I don’t put any expectations on myself. That can be difficult at times when I think whatever I do has to be the greatest thing ever or if I've been hired to be creative. My thoughts usually go something like this; “Okay I’ve got to be creative now. Think. Think! THINK!” Of course, no matter what your discipline, there are plenty of Zen ways to get down to the creative bone. I won't get into those ways here though, I'll just share how Photoshop helps me create some cool looking photos.
     When I started taking photos a few years back, I only used Photoshop to clean up the photo. Removing blemishes, fixing those wild hairs, erasing scuff marks from the seamless background and other things like that. But after a while I started get board with just  regular looking photos. I wanted to do something different and Photoshop was definitely a tool I could use to help me achieve that. I started to manipulate the colors, add different textures, experiment with the blending modes, while at the same time learning the vastness of Photoshop. There were also many times where I would wake up from a restless sleep, go to the computer and just start working on a photo without having any real idea of what I wanted. Here's an example from a recent photo-shoot where I had done a little midnight editing.

Paris Original & Trojan Orginal in costumes designed by Louise DeLenge 

Go on a Photo Walkabout

        Over the years people have asked me, “How do I take good photos?” Like anything else, you practice. Then I tell them to practice by going on a photo walkabout. This is exactly what I did when I got my first camera some 12 years ago. For me it wasn’t only learning how to use the camera but I was also discovering my new city of Seattle. By simply walking around and taking photos you can easily become one with your camera and learn the fundamentals of what makes a good photo.

From a photo walkabout earlier this week