Drew B Photograhy

I get a few emails from fellow photographers every week so I decided to compile a FAQ that I can point them to. So, if you’re not a photographer this might be boring to you or you just might learn something new

The number one question I get asked is actually not photography related. Everyone wants to know what song is on my website! It’s “Chocolate” by Snow Patrol. Isn’t it great! I have really wanted to change it to “Love Today” by Mika, but it’s a totally different vibe. What do you think? Change it or leave it?

The next most often question I get asked is how I get vivid color in my pictures. Let me first say that I can’t even express to you what a huge compliment that is! That other photographers like my work enough to ask ME for advice! It means so much to me! I by no means think that I’m an expert, but I have been working really hard the last couple of years to get my pictures to look the way they do and to develop my own style.

There are 4 components to how I get bright color in my images:

1) Everything you see on my blog was shot in Jpeg. For engagement shoots and portrait sessions I shoot solely in Jpeg. But, for weddings I shoot in RAW and Jpeg. It’s easier to color correct 1000 images in RAW. But, it’s easier to edit the pictures for the slideshow and my blog in Jpeg. Plus I like the color that comes out of Jpeg much better than RAW. It’s much more bright.

2) I use prime lenses primarily. My current favorite is the Canon 85 1.8 (the one I got in a car accident at 37 weeks pregnant to get!). I shot with the 24-70 L lens for a long time thinking that it was a superior lens because it is really expensive and it’s an L series lens, but once i started shooting with prime lenses my pictures were much more crisp. And they are cheap(er) lenses! I also like the 28 1.8 and I think I’ll eventually hop on the bandwagon and get the 50 1.2. I’ve rented the 50 a few times and didn’t LOVE it. So, we’ll see.

3) This is pretty obvious, but correct exposure and good lighting helps! I think most people think that if a picture is under or over exposed they can just fix it in photoshop after the fact (especially with RAW), but once you can nail the exposure in camera your pictures start to pop! This takes practice, practice, practice!

4) I use Totally Rad Actions. The Oh, Snap! and the Pro Retouch are my favorite. TRA are by far my favorite actions. They just came out with a new set. I’m not sure if I’m going to buy them yet, because I really like the first set, but we’ll see.

This is something I’ve never done before. Here’s a before and after shot from a recent engagement session:

Straight out of camera:

Edited with TRA’s Oh! Snap and Contrast Luma

And here’s another SOTC

And after with Oh! Snap, Pro Retouch, and a Curves Adjustment

I hope this helps a little!  I feel that consistency in your images is super important.  So find what works best for you and stick with it!

By the way, I have the best “blog stalkers”! I get the nicest emails and comments from you all and it really means the world to me. I think the best compliment I can get is from another photographer so thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to write me. You all rock!

Have a radtastic weekend!

1 year ago today I found out this was growing inside of me.

What a difference a year makes. I’m so lucky.

Have a great weekend everyone!

I already knew I loved Natalie and Scott. They have been a joy to work with from day 1. It is usually the bride that I get to know the best because they are my contact and, let’s face it, it’s the bride’s day. Most grooms don’t love getting their pictures taken. I know that. And that’s why I try to make it easy and a little fun for them. So, when it was 100 degrees this past weekend, I figured Scott wasn’t going to be too happy about having to get back in his suit to take their day after pictures. However, I was totally wrong. The guy didn’t complain once! He was fun and came up with great ideas and poses. He was even giving Natalie a little direction (not like she needs it. The girl is a natural in front of the camera!). At the end of the shoot I told Scott how impressed I was and he said, “You know Drew, marriage is all about compromise”. He’s so right! Scott knew that shooting this day after session meant a lot to Natalie and he just wanted to be with is bride. I love these two! I’m sad my shoots with them are done, but hopefully we will be doing maternity and baby pictures in the future (but, not too soon because Natalie has to finish her masters first!).

Oh, and if this little story didn’t convince you of their awesomeness then this picture will. Don’t kill me for posting this, Natalie!

This picture just cracks me up! I told you. The girl has mad modeling skills

Here are my favorites from the session!

PS Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad! I love you!