Welcome to the Masqueman Blog...
Creating an Impromptu Architectural Image for an Atlanta-based Healthcare Company
A photographer must be ready for any hot potato a client throws his direction. It is not always possible to accommodate impromptu requests, but the more versatile I can be, the better.
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| Perspective corrected image... |
While on location setting up a mobile headshot studio for executive portraits, I was asked to make an architectural image of the client's new building. They had just completed parts of the build-out so this location still had that "new car smell"... and they needed an image the next day.
Outside was dull, dreary and threatening snow. I only had a few moments to snap some images before I was needed inside. I did the best that I could with the 24-70mm portrait lens I had with me. I normally do not bring my wide-angle 16mm lens to portraits so it was this or nothing.
A tilt shift lens would have been handy to dial out the perspective, but that is a rental for me. As such, I had to remove the extreme perspective in Photoshop. There are limited to what looks realistic. The very first image is what a tilt-shift lens might have produced. I'm not sure which I prefer since the second slightly distorted one looks more epic.
A tilt shift lens would have been handy to dial out the perspective, but that is a rental for me. As such, I had to remove the extreme perspective in Photoshop. There are limited to what looks realistic. The very first image is what a tilt-shift lens might have produced. I'm not sure which I prefer since the second slightly distorted one looks more epic.
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| Building with some of the perspective left in... |
The light played to my advantage with the foggy overcast sky acting like a giant softbox to evenly illuminate the structure's facades. The sun was cooperative and placed itself directly behind the building allowing parts of the giant glass tower to be both reflective and transparent.
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| Out of camera capture... |
Of course, the sky had to be replaced with something better than boring white. Above is the original out-of camera shot... I think I added enough drama to make it work.
Happy Birthday to My Second Dad
We may get to pick our spouses in life, but we don't always get to pick the family attached to them. I hit the in-law jackpot by marrying into a very nice family. In particular, I not only gained a father-in-law, I gained a friend in Ronald Heady.
To me, he exemplifies the best that a man can aspire to be. I have never met a more intelligent or analytical mind in my life. I am sure that if scientists performed intelligence tests on him, their machines would have to be recalibrated. My relationship with him allows me to share my interests from photography, guns, gadgets, watches, robotics and science... not your typical "how's the weather" banter.
A few years ago, he allowed me to take some portraits of him. He had just given me two special gifts for my camera collection that reaches back as far as the 1930s. One was a Minolta camera that he personally used.
The other was a Yashica twin-lens reflex camera that his father, Ray Heady, used as a newspaper reporter for the Kansas City Star newspaper beginning in 1943. I was over the moon to get these treasures and they are displayed in a place of prominence in my collection.
Here he is with his favorite gal, Sue. Happy Birthday, Ron! We love ya!
Two for One Headshot Sessions
When two of my buddies told me within the same week that they wanted new head shots, my response was to proverbially kill two birds with one Canon. There is nothing more business-like than high efficiency, but that does not mean we had to be boring. They wisecracked jokes the whole time. I am afraid that they might hurt me for posting the photo below... ha ha.
We knocked out the standard business head shots first. Unless I am trying to specifically match the style of a company's headshot, I tend to shoot a variety of backgrounds for the client. I can do this quickly by moving a few prearranged backdrops.
We knocked out the standard business head shots first. Unless I am trying to specifically match the style of a company's headshot, I tend to shoot a variety of backgrounds for the client. I can do this quickly by moving a few prearranged backdrops.
The requirements for Jason were slightly different since the headshot was going to include his company logo on his shirt. He owns Performance Audio & Video Atlanta...one of the best audio, video and home automation companies in Atlanta. Give him a call if you need any of that.
While Justinas was dressed to the nines, I took some full body portraits in case he becomes a CEO or lawyer in the coming years. I remember the first time I met him with long hair riding a motorcycle. Now he is a respectable business man, and he cleaned up nicely.
We then moved on to more stylized photos. For Jason, I used a warmer tone to match his shirt. For Justinas, I chose to use a slightly blue cast to match his shirt. I think doing this emphasizes the face more and the clothing less.
I know for sure that I have the best friends in the world.
Halloween Character Portraits
What is the best holiday of them all? I say Halloween for many people including adults. This might be the only yearly event where people get to step outside of their mundane lives and become somebody more interesting for a night.
In years passed, I have been hired to run photo booths at masquerade parties. These are as much fun for me as the participants. I love to see what will walk through the door. Maybe stars from the past will reappear...
In the case of Ricky and Lucy here... they were just enhancing reality with a sense of humor.
In years passed, I have been hired to run photo booths at masquerade parties. These are as much fun for me as the participants. I love to see what will walk through the door. Maybe stars from the past will reappear...
I think you can tell a lot about a person from the disguise he or she chooses. It could be a hero or villain unlike themselves. So, our next guy could be the dashing Clark Gabel...
A costume could be in poor taste and you wish you had not seen it. An example of this was a pudgy white man I saw (in 1998) who dressed himself as a minstrel-styled Aunt Jemima... yes, the nice lady from the syrup bottle. He even had a plate of pancakes and sang what he called "spirituals." Unfortunately, you can't unsee or unhear some things. My advice... don't do this. And by the way, the guy next to him is no priest...
...or a scoundrel tycoon named Dick Dasterly. You decide.
...or from pop culture like the Tom Petty styled Mad Hatter that came with the Queen.
This only makes sense if you saw his 1984 music video for "Don't Come Around Here No More"
Sexy vampires almost make you want to get bitten. More than once please...
I'm not sure if the motherly Morticia from the Adams Family was a vampire or not...
Some people never grow up and have to take their mummies everywhere. This gentleman English explorer's costume and expression were spot on. Blimey!
Whoa! I hope it wasn't the liver paté that made her turn green...
It's only fair that I should embarrass myself with my favorite Halloween outfit of all time. One year I went as my West Virginia cousin, Bubba Joe Jethro (the third). The ladies loved my dental work.
Whoa! I hope it wasn't the liver paté that made her turn green...
A touch of the old country... all that is missing is some beer mugs and polka music.
Is this what the Tooth Fairy really looks like?
That guy always gets out of hand though. Here he is talking things over with a security officer.
I hope that everyone reading this has a wonderful Halloween. Be safe.
Zombie Transformation Caught on Film
Fans of The Walking Dead have seen plenty of zombies. Usually they are shown in a state of decay just long enough to get their heads smashed in by the heroes of this popular TV series.
But, after watching every episode, I don't think I have ever seen a zombie transformation. For the first time EVER, this unseen event has been captured with time lapse photography. It's not a pretty sight either. If you are easily frightened, turn your eyes away now.
Apparently, the pre-zombie being grows a wild beard and his teeth turn into hideous bucktooth fangs. If you don't believe me, just watch the video evidence. It's got to be true if it's on the internet, right? See the link zombie video here.
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