Look ma, no Photoshop!
For those new to my blog, I teach photographers how to incorporate the elements of visual design into their imagery. Both through the BPSOP, an online school, and in my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind Workshops” I conduct around the world. This is another in my series I call “life before Photoshop”.
For all you out there that began your love for photography in the digital era, there was a time when Adobe was a type of house made of sand, clay, and water, mixed with a fibrous material like straw. Now, Adobe Photoshop rules the photographic world, and these new photographers truly believe they can’t create good photos without it.
I’m not saying I don’t love Photoshop, for I would be considered one fry shy of a happy meal. With me, I use it sparingly, and only after what I’m trying to accomplish in the camera just can’t be done. For me, being a good photographer that can’t think without the aid of post-processing just makes me feel better. I love a challenge, and there’s no better challenge than creating in reality and through the lens what I’m thinking in my mind.
Years ago I worked on the Mazda account, and one of the ads created by the Art Director/writer was to show a Miata in the garage of its owner. They wanted to convey that this car was the love of the owner’s life and wanted me to carry that idea into a single photograph.
My location scout found a garage that would not only work, but the price to rent it was somewhere in the budget’s ballpark; considering this was shot in Burbank, $3000.00 was on the high side of reasonable. I had a stylist gather props several days ahead of time while I was figuring out how to light the car. At the same time, my producer was tracking down a Cat Wrangler that could make a cat stay on command.
I had several 2400 watt/second heads mounted in the ceiling facing up towards several large pieces of white Foamboard so the light would be soft when it fell onto the car. I had another 4X8piece of foam board in front of the car so it would light the front. This entire set-up took the entire day and was a hell of a lot of fun!!!
Here’s the garage the way we found it.
Before
This photo would probably not be shot the same way today. The car would be shot in a studio and the Agency would use CGI (computer-generated imagery) to put it all together. HOW AWFUL!!!
The digital age has done so much in so many areas, but in my opinion, it’s hurt photography in a way that can never be repaired.
🙁
Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and check out my workshop schedule. Come shoot with me some time and we’ll cry together over a glass of wine!!!
🙂
JoeB
