March 2014 - Inspiration and Creation

I find I get most of my photographic session inspiration from non photographic sources, e.g. storybook illustrations, artworks, poetry or lyrics.  I do like looking at photos though, and seeing new techniques I can experiment with.  I don't always use the techniques, but it is fun to play and try out new things.  

I watch any 'Next Top Model' series because I like seeing the photos, and the America's Next Top Model series playing in New Zealand at the moment is using 'Cinemagraphs'.  So I had to look those up to see how they were done and have a play around with them.  

Cinemagraphs are Gifs, but only part of the photo is moving.

I think the easiest 'how to ' online article was this one: http://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/tutorials/how-to-make-a-cool-cinemagraph-image-in-photoshop

So I've had two attempts.   The one above with Jessica and one at a maternity shoot.
It took me awhile to figure out how to tweak the photo contrast etc through the layers.  Also there was a lot of movement from the horse in Jessica's, so in my cinemagraph of her, I haven't made the tail move because it looked like it came off the horse.  What I'd need to do to fix that, is go through each layer and move each layer to match up correctly.

Not sure if I'd actually offer these to clients. I think it could come across a bit gimmicky.  It might depend on the type of shoot.  Fun playing around with it though.

If I want to see photos that are cool and out of the ordinary, I always stop by Brett Warren's website.  As I've said, I love storybook illustrations and his images definitely tell a story.
Brett Warren Photography Emporium

I also from time to time google or pinterest terms like "cool portraits" and see what comes up.  I recently spotted and am now following on flickr this talent: Jeen Na

I particularly like his landscapes over faces.

I might try a couple of landscape / face layering this April in playtime.  

Oh and if you like old artwork and vintage illustrations, go check out this website, you can start you own collection that you can use!  Rijksstudio

Calico Jo