Lately, I've been receiving messages via Facebook and email in regards to help. Other aspiring photogs have come to me, ME, for help!! I'm flattered to say the least, and am very very humbled.
But it seems like the first words always written are, "umm I'm not sure if you'd be willing to help..."
OKAY. STOP the tracks!
Not even a year ago, I was there, and heck, I still am, and I probably always will be "there".
I'm very proud of my work, and the distance I have traveled in such a short amount of time.
Call me conceited or vain, but I've poured my blood, sweat, and tears into this business, and although I'm not 100% satisfied with my work (which I don't think ANY photographer ever really is), I am def proud to say its mine and is a product of my imagination and creativity.
With that being said, YES, I am willing to help! As much as I can, in fact!
If I can save someone the tears and suffering of browsing the internet till 3am trying to figure out whether or not they should shoot in RAW vs. JPEG, I'd be more than happy to lend a helping hand!
Now, with THAT, being, said, I'm not knockin' leaning and educating yourself, because in turn, you find out who you are as an artist... what gets your creative juices flowing, and ultimately, what you produce through your own lens. Yeah, so you take amazing pictures, okay, that's great and all, but honestly, its the effort you put in that determines just how amazing your work really is, and just how much of YOU shines through your work.
I remember when I first started photog school back in May 2009.... Photoshop was one of the first classes on my schedule for the 2nd semester. (Now, keep in mind I'd only had my hands on a DSLR for about 2 months, and yes, it was STILL in the box) I was sooo excited, yet a freakin wreck, because never in my entire life had I ever laid my eyes on Photoshop. NEVER. Heck, the only "post processing" I ever did to my images were from the basic photo editing program that comes equipped on everybody's computer. (not knockin' that either, btw) Even now, I always always shoot in Manual mode. Sometimes, I actually forget there is any other mode. haha BUT... all well worth it!
The first day of the 2nd semester came, and as I sat in front of that beautiful illuminated 25in MAC screen, I wanted to bash my head into the desk. I went home with a HORRIBLE migraine, and my nerves were completely SHOT. I mean, seriously... how many things can you REALLY do or do you really NEED to do with just ONE tool?? I couldn't wrap my head around it all, and even if I had tried, my head would have exploded or either been very short of retaining ANY type of information shared. At that point, I wasn't sure what was more intimidating... Photoshop, or this DSLR that had a zillion and one buttons that just happened to cost more than my master bedroom set.
The 2nd day came, and I was called to the financial aid office. Due to the lack of financial aid (grr), I had to drop the class. Although I absolutely loatheddd my very first day, I KNEW I HAD to take that class in order to become a "wonderful photographer."
WRONG.
I am soo glad God placed my cards the way He did, because that entire semester and the next, I learned how to properly expose my images, and to get them right in the camera even before everrr uploading them onto a computer. For those that know me and my work, you know I do very minimal post-processing. Honestly, I hardly ever crop either. Most of the time the way you see my final image, was exactly how I took it with exception of adjusting levels, clearing out blemishes, and sharpening.
With only being in business since Feb of 2009, I can't give too too much insight or info, but I will say this... and yes, I have read this a zillion times from other photogs, but it is THE best advice... practice practice practice!! And when you're done practicing, practice some more! Yes, even in dreaded Photoshop. Everyday, just play with something new... "accidentally" click the wrong tool, and see where it takes you. Or manually focus all of your shots, and see what'cha get. Go out in your backyard, and shoot completely on "AUTO" mode... then when you upload your images, check the "info" and see what settings your camera came up with, and go from there. Get on the ground belly up and shoot whatever happens to... well, happen. Use and abuse that piece of equipment! You'll be glad you did!
Now, I'm not gonna lie, I have lotssssssssssssss and lotsssssssssssssss to still learn about the photog world (and yes, Photoshop), but I think that's one of the reasons I love this job so so much... there is ALWAYS something new to learn. ALWAYS. You're never bored with this job, and if you are, its time to pick a new one. And, I will tell you this... after every.single.session, I learn something new, and I think that's the way it should be. Never ever should you have a session to where you leave without gaining some type of knowledge or perspective. This is how we grow, and THAT is what makes you better at your craft.
So, in conclusion, please feel free to email me, fb message me, or whatever... Don't hesitate to get in contact with me if you need a little help. Heck, you may even ask something to which I can't answer, but will do the research to find out. This way, we both learn something new!
Also, thank you to all for your wonderful support. Even those whom I've never met or even talked to... thank you! Your support helps keeps the fire in me!
Here's a before and after shot. The first is a SOOC, and the second was a playful date with Photoshop. You typically won't find my images THAT processed, but this is what you'll get when dancing with Photoshop tools, layer masks, textures, and levels.
Happy Shooting and HUGE LOVE!
XoXo
-Casey
