I get these questions alot….. “What did you shoot that with?” ” What was your aperture on?”  ”How did you light that?”  I know some photographers are very hush hush about how they do their photography (and with good reason) but I think it’s important for us photographers to stick together and help each other out.  I mean I am definitely not going to reveal ALL my secrets, some things have to remain a mystery, but I do love to help other photographers become better!  I thought I would post an image and give you all the details about how I shot it, what I shot it with , how chose to light it, and some after pictures when the retouching is done.

I am kind of obsessed with my softbox and lighting equipment and I drag it everywhere I go (or I make my assistants drag it) =-).  I love that I can create my own lighting anywhere and love how sharp and colorful my images turn out when I use it.  Light is beautiful (and oh-so-flattering).  But on my shoot the other day I was trying to experiment with different light sources.  This image was shot with window light and I love it.  =-)

This is straight out of the camera.

 Image info:

Camera:  Canon 5D Mark II

Lens: 50mm L 1.2

Shot it RAW format

Light source:  Natural window light

Aperture: 4.0

Shutter Speed: 1/125

ISO: 320

Image after camera RAW corrections.

I like to take contract OUT in camera raw because I know I will be adding more contract with photoshop actions in post process.

I edit in camera RAW for mainly exposure and color correcting.

This is the image after it has been retouched.

I have cleaned up skin, lightened eyes, sharpened, and added contrast with a few actions I have made myself along with others I have purchased like the

Totally Rad Actions (LOVE THEM!) to name one.

Then we do a little color toning and adding a texture…..and here is the final product!

Any Questions!?!?! =-)

Just a few simple steps to really enhance an already beautiful (or should I say HANDSOME) image.  Let me know if there are any specifics you would like me to blog on!