Become Better Photographer: Keeping Colors Consistent with Gavin Hoey

Shooting against several color backdrops with the same outfit? You might need to watch out for how the same colors of the outfit translate against different backgrounds. Chances are, it will not be consistent which can create a real problem for both you and your client.

In this video photographer Gavin Hoey with Adorama TV is going to share three quick steps for getting color consistency in your photography workflow.

Step one.

Gavin states: ” Good color management starts right here inside of my small home office and it begins with a great monitor because if you’ve got a bad monitor, you’ll get no consistency. It makes it really hard and a good monitor makes life a lot easier.”

The monitor should show at least 100 percent of the SRGB color space. That’s the smallest one photographers tend to use and is usually absolutely fine but if you’re a serious photographer get something like Gavin has – BenQ SW2700 that shows 99% of the Adobe RGB color space which is much bigger.

Every monitor needs to be calibrated. That means you get the very best out of the monitor. Mr. Hoey continues: “Now every month or there about’s, I’ll get myself this. This is little XRite i1 colorimeter and I’ll pop it on the screen and it will go through a series of color management steps to refine the color and get the very best out of this monitor. It does take a few minutes to go through so the best thing to do, is to let the monitor warm up, start this running and then you can go off and take some photos, which is exactly what I’m going to do right now.”

Step two.

Get the colors right in camera. If your model is wearing something of bright color and your background is also vivid or is lit by color gels, you need to set a custom white balance with a color checker passport. Use its gray side, lit by the same light that’s lighting the model. The process varies from camera to camera to set a custom white balance, so please refer to your camera’s manual.

Another option would be to shoot in RAW, so you could do this later. However setting it in camera means that you can actually show the subject a picture that looks the right color and it saves you a ton of time in post-processing, if you’ve got your colors roughly right at this stage and anything that saves time is a good idea.

Gavin also mentions – “Now it’s worth noting if you shoot with mirrorless cameras like my Olympus then the electronic viewfinder will probably show you the white balance you’ve just set, which is almost certainly the wrong color for the ambient light in the room. For example my video lights are a slightly different color to my flash, so when you’re looking through the viewfinder, don’t panic if the colors look a bit wrong just make sure they look good when you take the shots. “

Step three.

The third step of the process is all about image processing. For this step you would need to have at least one picture taken with color passport for reference.

After the shoot is done, it’s time to create a custom profile that matched the lighting, the camera and the lens used for the shoot.

There’s lots of ways to do it. According to Mr. Hoey – “the first thing I need to do is actually go and get one of my RAW files and bring it into Photoshop because that’s the software I want to use to make my profile and do my edits. The RAW file that I have with the picture of the color checker passport I need saved as a DNG file.

Then all I need to do to make my color profile is launch the color checker passport software and as it says drag and drop a DNG file there,

so I’ll drag and drop a DNG file and just wait for a few seconds, and it’s done! It’s all automated, it crops it, it finds the squares, it does absolutely everything.”

WANT TO LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

One of our closest workshops – Studio Lighting 102 : Portrait Photography Lighting

will take place on November 29th, 7-9pm, in one of our Los Angeles studios !!!

Watch the full episode with Gavin Hoey and Adorama TV:

Become Better Photographer: Playing with Plexiglass with David Bergman

Updated June 2023 Elevate your photography with a simple yet stunning trick that involves shooting a model or a product on a sheet of plexiglass, creating awe-inspiring reflections. This great technique can be easily executed in a photo studio for rent like FD Photo Studio with basic grip and lightning equipment included, allowing you to experiment and achieve captivating results. By placing the subject on a smooth sheet of plexiglass, the reflective surface adds depth and visual interest to your images. The play of light and shadow combined with the reflected elements creates a mesmerizing and artistic effect, elevating your photos to a whole new level. Have you ever experimented shooting a subject standing on a plexiglass for that cool reflection effect? In this episode David Bergman with AdoramaTv will show you his approach to this common yet never getting old effect. David states – ” Whether you’re shooting high-end products, or simply photographing things to sell online, it can be cool to get a reflection under your subject. Sure you can shoot the photo and then flip it in the computer to place the reflection underneath, but why take the time to do that, when you can get it right very easily in-camera.” The trick is to use a piece of acrylic otherwise known as Plexiglas. Plexi is see-through and reflective, just like glass but actually works better if you try to shoot on glass you’ll wind up with a double reflection off of the top and bottom panes. Plexi doesn’t do that, plus it’s lighter and doesn’t shatter like glass. The only thing to watch out for is that it scratches really easily, so you need to handle it very carefully. You can buy Plexiglas in almost any size and color. Black is popular for products, but some people just buy a clear sheet and then spray paint one side of it black. If you’re only going to use occasionally, clear plexi is probably more versatile, because you can put it on top of any color background, and that color will show through a small sheet. Mr. Bergman continues: “It works well for products, and if you get one big enough you could even have a person stand on it. Without the plexi on the ground we don’t have the reflection, and it’s difficult to get solid white on model’s feet without blasting too much light on her shoes, but when I have her stand on the sheet of Plexi, with the white paper underneath, I get a natural looking reflection on her and the background, which makes that part of the image go solid white.” The key advantage of using plexiglass in your photos is that you save a tremendous amount of time on post-editing, and creating artificial reflection. Sure, there are other reflective materials you can implement in your shoots, but Plexiglas is relatively cheap and incredibly versatile. Plus it also saves the background paper, because it won’t get wrinkled torn or dirty when the model walks on it. 🙂

WANT TO LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV:

Black And White Photography Done Right By Daryl Love

Although photographer Daryl Love presented both versions of photos: in color and strictly and b&w, the main theme of the shoot seems to incline towards classic Monochrome photography, with a bit of grain to add edginess to each photo.

Few words about the Photographer:

“for this shoot, it was my first time visiting LA from Colorado. A friend recommended renting a space because I have understanding of the city so planning a shoot would be a pain for my quick visit. Looooooved the space by the way. The model, Emma, is also from the town I live in but moved to LA about a year ago. We have shot before so it was nice to reconnect and create some images! I shot this entire set with my favorite film camera, Pentax 67ii. I used Kodak Tri-X 400 and Portra 800 for the film stocks. It was just us two in the studio catching up, listening to music, and creating these images I am really proud of. Hope you all enjoy and looking forward to booking your studio again!”

Members of the crew:

photographer: Daryl Love | Website

model: Emma

About this location:

Art 2, is one of the busiest stages we currently offer. Equipped with everything you need for a perfect intimate, romantic or empowering style of photoshoot, this stage always leaves our clients excited and hungry for more time. Featuring a dark wood floor platform across the stage and a sexy dark leather lounge chair creates welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. A wall section with the brick veneer adds a flavor of downtown loft New York style. Among these unique features, the stage comes with great equipment – three strobe lights, three backdrops of white, grey and black color, sound system, makeup station and changing station. Take a look at Art 2 on our website for availability as well as rates.

Stage Upgrade: Hill 6 New Cool Props

photo and video studio available for rental in Los Angeles

Our latest update took place in “gloss floor’ stage Hill 6. Its last update included an awesome red leather chair that looks really clean and sleek against stage’s reflective floor.

This kind of feel is now further expanded with an addition of the transparent egg-shaped hanging chair hung from the ceiling and floating above the ground. Time for the spaceship ride!

Another cool new feature of this stage brings more coziness to its atmosphere, with a portable grass wall with white flowers.

So now, in this stage Hill 6 you can really create two completely opposite looks – hi-tech sleek feel as the first, and a natural , organic, soulful feel against floral background.

Try experimenting in this creative setup yourself and book the stage NOW!

Lucas Bloms By Justin Chen

Photographer Justin Chen had the first studio shoot ever in stage F. To ease into it, the crew approached the shoot in a more naturalistic, spontaneous way that is more akin to photographer’s typical photo shoots out in the real world, with natural light.

A snippet of Photographer’s story:

“I started photography purely as a personal outlet; being a full-time graphic designer at an interior architecture studio, while the work there is always challenging and exciting, it doesn’t necessarily fulfill me as a creative individual. So, about 2.5 years ago, I decided to purchase a camera and use that as a way to develop my aesthetics outside of work. Initially, I focused solely on landscapes and architecture, but have since broadened into fashion photography. It is encouraging to see what started out as a weekend hobby developing into something much more serious. (though I still only shoot on weekends!)”

Members of the crew:

photographer: Justin Chen | Instagram

model: Lucas Bloms | Instagram

stylist: Aris Rahim | Instagram

About this location:

StageF was used for this team’s creative session. The studio is the smallest space we currently offer for our clients. Yet it is one of the most brightest stages with the tremendous amount of natural light coming from North West. It has gained a nickname – “light box” by some of our regulars and it truly fulfills it at any time of the day from dawn until dusk. This studio also features two section laminate floor of white and dark color for your creative needs. As with any of our stages, Studio F comes with 3 strobe lights already included in the hourly rate and backdrop seamless paper installed. Take a closer look HERE.

Bed Scene Improv With Riae

Gorgeous tattooed model shot in a provocative scene by photogrpaher Leema Lemoan, surely knows how to catch viewer’s attention. Shooting wide aperture, photographer has chosen the gaze of the model as the most seductive element of the photo, leaving the background in blur.

Members of the crew:

photographer: Leema Lemoan | Instagram

model: Riae | Instagram

The stage:

Studio Hill 1 has a few distinct features you will not find in any other stages. Facing the west side this stage gets lots of natural light in the afternoon and has amazing lighting conditions during the golden hour. Among included props are industrial wooden table with benches, two antique green chairs and white leather comfy chair. And the bed. The bed that comes with clean sheets (fees apply) and photogenic look, ready for always anticipated, the “bed scene” Besides, Hill 1 comes equipped with black, white and grey backdrops already installed and three strobe lights included in the hourly rate. Have a look at Hill 1 on our website information, prices and availability. .

4 WAYS TO DEVELOP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BRAND

“The people who hire me as a wedding photographer hire me not just because of my photographic style, they hire me because of the style of my personality. My style and personality match, so they know they’re getting a genuine style.”

Jared Platt

Big dreams of making it to the top as a photographer are surely helpful, cheerful and motivating. However, it is not the dreams that you get you there but goals. Each step of advancement must be well defined, visualized and timed. In this episode we asked 4 professional photographers what dreams they have and what goals they set for themselves.

The full interview is available of YOUTUBE. For your convenience, here is the transcript of it as well.

Ben Tsui @bentsuiphotos: The future of my brand, things are changing so quickly over the years, and it’s faster and faster. You always kinda have to not reinvent yourself but improve yourself. You’ve always gotta learn. You’ve always gotta change. You’ve always gotta adapt. Especially in the fashion industry.

What it is today was different from what it was last month, what it was last year, not just the style, but how things are worked. You always are gonna have to adapt. You can’t just sit and wait for it to come to you.

Ace Style @ace_style : In the future, I would definitely want to do high-fashion photography. It is something that I’ve been interested in for quite a while now. It’s definitely much more advanced than what I do now, therefore, I’m building a team, a small crew, it’s going to have a designer, and a stylist, and a make-up artist that will definitely help me to get into high-fashion photography.

Mois @moisnomois : The most I want is I want to get to the print publishing, and worldwide, and maybe make it into a brand itself. We’ll see how it goes.

Toma Kostygina @toma.kostygina : I want to focus on more video than conceptual portraiture. I want my images to speak for themselves. I am just experimenting and we’ll see where it takes me.

WANT TO LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

Watch the full episode :

Garden Loft Wedding In Art 1 Studio!

Continuing series of wedding/bridal shoots, our beloved stage Art 1 is on the spotlight. Its design and atmosphere perfectly complement bride’s gorgeous dress and make the vivid colors (like flowers) pop on each photo.

A snippet of the shoot’s story:

“Its no secret loft spaces are some of my favorite locales. Between the sky high ceilings, the panoramic windows that pour light in and the uniquely cool blank spaces they provide, they are repeat couple favorites. A team of locale LA wedding vendors felt similarly inspired, turning the warehouse space of FD Photo Studio into a bohemian garden loft wedding oasis. Working with such a lovely clean space to start, the team took the opportunity to craft an ultra inviting boho chic lounge area. Bold, wild floral arrangements were brought in to infuse the space with a garden feel, bringing a soft warmness to the loft wedding. Perhaps my favorite piece to the overall wedding design however, is the color palette. A refreshing combination of cream, peach and copper, the palette is practically a love song to the often neglected orange family of hues. The rest is an exercise in minimalist wedding perfection. A simple and wonderfully sleek slip wedding dress paired with gently tossed tresses. No need for big flashy pieces, the quiet beauty to this boho loft wedding is literally everything.”

Check out participants of the project:

photographer: Meaghan Brianne Photo | Website

Floral: LoveStruck Blooms

About this location:

Stage Art 1, a long-time FD Photo Studio favorite, was used for this shoot. With the high-key white industrial design that FD is notorious for, Stage Art 1 is a clean setting that can be manipulated to fit all kinds of projects. This space has its windows facing South and West and gets beautiful direct light during the PM hours, and great open-shaded light in the morning. Take a look at Stage Art 1 HERE to see what equipment is included in the hourly rate, as well as its availability and pricing.

Clean Fashion And Portrait Session By Jimmy Martinez

Speaking about getting those pristine clean shots, in the e-comm setup where the emphasis is all on the subject’s features – sexy outfit, perfect makeup, and natural beauty. Photographer Jimmy Martinez has captured it all!

Few words about the Photographer:

“I’m based in Los Angeles, California (West Hollywood), I have been a self taught professional photographer for about 8 years and I love it! When I picked up my first camera in 1998, I began taking pictures of everything. I found beauty and inspiration in snapping pictures. To me, pictures are moments frozen in time that you can relive over and over again. It is an honor for me to be able to capture life’s precious moments. I took a break from taking pictures to serve in the United States military for 8 years. I am a proud veteran and, after completing my military service, I decided to pick up a camera once again. I used photography to deal with a slight case of PTSD and from there I decided to use it to slowly transition from military to civilian life. I have had the pleasure of photographing the following events: * 2009-2018 Los Angeles Bachata Festival. * 2014-2018 Los Angeles Summer Bachata Festival. * 2013-2015 UCLA La Raza Latino Law Student Association’s Annual Alumni and Awards Dinner. * 2015 MABA Summer Golf Tournament * Currently the resident photographer for 3rd Street Dance Studio. * I have also been published 2x (Darkelefant Magazine & The Epitome Magazine) So come along and follow my adventures and see what I capture through my lens! Explore the Gallery where I highlight pictures of landscapes, dancers, and models. Be sure to come back to my page soon to see more of my work. ”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Jimmy Martinez | Website

About this location:

Pro Stage II has been adorned with a few additions. Firstly, now there is a huge American flag that covers a good portion of the wall and is already becoming a hallmark of the Pro stages. In addition to that, standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills are also included in the hourly rate. Make sure to catch the coolness of this space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.