jakehicksphotography

[jakehicksphotography]

But is it a great image? I personally feel this is a question that many of us overlook today when we're testing and trying out new ideas in photography. Remember those crazy HDR days? Remember those awkward composites we played with? Or, how about those more recent gel shot tests? Were they great HDR/comps/gel shots, or were they actually great images? I will always encourage anyone and everyone to play with and test new ideas in photography and whether that be in-camera or in Photoshop, experimenting and making mistakes is all part of the learning process. But, I'd also ask you to remember this whilst doing so... Yes we can play with new ideas, but try to remember that a great photo is rarely about showing off the technique or the process, it simply comes down to whether it looks great as a final image. When I was developing these new ideas and shooting techniques whilst using a projector, many of you would have never known I was using a projector to create these shots. Take this image here for example, it uses a projector, but I'm consciously and purposefully never trying to create an image where you the viewer see it for the first time and go, 'oh cool, that's a great projector shot!' Instead, my goal is always to try and get you to simply say 'oh wow, that's a great photo'. So when you're next experimenting with a new idea, whether that be HDR, gels or even a projector shot, try to ask yourself; 'is this a great HDR/gels/projector image, or is it simply a great photo?' Try to shoot for your audience, not other photographers and I assure you other photographers will be impressed as a byproduct. Sadly, it rarely works the other way around. Normally I save my rants for Fridays, but 2020 is crazy so it would appear you got it early😅 As usual, when I started typing, I hadn't intended for this to be a rant, but here we are😊 I hope you guys are good though. I know I sent out an email to everyone today talking about my Post-Pro workshop in December and yes, everything is still set to go ahead with that one and I cant wait to get back out there and deliver that one😎 Stay safe guys❤️ Model: Layla Peach https://ift.tt/2IiuMEF

[jakehicksphotography]

But is it a great image? I personally feel this is a question that many of us overlook today when we're testing and trying out new ideas in photography. Remember those crazy HDR days? Remember those awkward composites we played with? Or, how about those more recent gel shot tests? Were they great HDR/comps/gel shots, or were they actually great images? I will always encourage anyone and everyone to play with and test new ideas in photography and whether that be in-camera or in Photoshop, experimenting and making mistakes is all part of the learning process. But, I'd also ask you to remember this whilst doing so... Yes we can play with new ideas, but try to remember that a great photo is rarely about showing off the technique or the process, it simply comes down to whether it looks great as a final image. When I was developing these new ideas and shooting techniques whilst using a projector, many of you would have never known I was using a projector to create these shots. Take this image here for example, it uses a projector, but I'm consciously and purposefully never trying to create an image where you the viewer see it for the first time and go, 'oh cool, that's a great projector shot!' Instead, my goal is always to try and get you to simply say 'oh wow, that's a great photo'. So when you're next experimenting with a new idea, whether that be HDR, gels or even a projector shot, try to ask yourself; 'is this a great HDR/gels/projector image, or is it simply a great photo?' Try to shoot for your audience, not other photographers and I assure you other photographers will be impressed as a byproduct. Sadly, it rarely works the other way around. Normally I save my rants for Fridays, but 2020 is crazy so it would appear you got it early😅 As usual, when I started typing, I hadn't intended for this to be a rant, but here we are😊 I hope you guys are good though. I know I sent out an email to everyone today talking about my Post-Pro workshop in December and yes, everything is still set to go ahead with that one and I cant wait to get back out there and deliver that one😎 Stay safe guys❤️ Model: Layla Peach https://ift.tt/2IiuMEF

[jakehicksphotography]

-Technique Tuesday- Podlamania Podcast - Episode 033 Hugh Kretschmer -LINKS BELOW- In this episode, Wayne Johns and I speak to a truly remarkable 'photo illustrator'. Not sure what a 'photo illustrator' is? I assure you, you're not alone and in this podcast we dig deep into the mind of a man with a seemingly boundless creative vision. But don't be fooled by the surrealist work he produces, this is not all Photoshop, far from it and nearly all of his work is crafted in camera with custom-built props and sets. But this is not simply fine art photography either, and Hugh has also seen a truly remarkable career whilst working with top tier brands like Vanity Fair, New York Times, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Fortune, Sony, Toyota, Honda and many many more... So how does a photographer that shoots truly surrealist work, and all in-camera, make it in the commercial world. Hugh kindly shares his process and if you enjoy a deep dive into the mind behind a creative process, you'll love this episode. I personally love all forms of photography, but I do alway enjoy talking to and getting into the minds of artists like this who prioritise a creative vision over a kit-list. Take a listen and let me know what you think.... Our website https://ift.tt/35Cj1k1 iTunes https://ift.tt/3ll1WBa Spotify https://ift.tt/2FtHLz4 Google Podcasts https://ift.tt/30Ctv0Q Stitcher https://ift.tt/2IrICo1 https://ift.tt/2GO9L3L

[jakehicksphotography]

-Share-a-Shoot- Wow! We had some incredible -Share-a-Shoot- entries last week! I got chance to go through them all and leave feedback this weekend (so check back if you posted and didn't see my response) and seriously, the quality in here just keeps getting better and better!😍 But, if you've never posted an image in here before, don't let that put you off. All of us started somewhere and it's a great feeling to share your work with others, especially with your peers like us. After all, is it even art if it doesn't have an audience?😎 Personally, here in lockdown, I'm really struggling to get some shoots organised as everyone seems to be in this weird limbo or holding-pattern waiting for this all to miraculously come to some sort of conclusion... I got some bad news folks, that ain't happening and this is the new-normal for a while yet. We just gotta make the best of it and shoot what we can, when we can🍻 So what have you been up to? Got any shoots to share? Let's see 'em! If you've never posted before, then do it, but remember these 3 commandments before you do. 1. Post a shot direct to the comments (no links) 2. Keep it to one shot each. 3. And if want some feedback on your shot, please be sure to ask for it in your description.* *I'll respond to all who post in the next 24 hours (that just means, don't find this post in 6 months, post a shot and expect me to see it). We do this every week on Monday, so if you miss it, just jump in next Monday instead. Let's keep the eye-candy flowing and see what you've all been working on! Model RYO LOVE - MODEL/MAKEUP ARTIST https://ift.tt/3eJK7K7

[jakehicksphotography]

Lockdown 2.0... Many of us here in the U.K. are embarking on a national 'hibernation' of sorts and yes, we're in yet another lockdown. Truth be told though, it's not as strict as last time and although there are certain constraints, I can still go out do certain shoots because it's my job. Group events and workshops are all cancelled though, which sucks :( Thankfully though, we'll be back at it again on December 5th for our annual in-person Post-Production and retouching workshop 😃🍻 To those of you signed up to my mailing list, I did send out an email today announcing that my online mentoring 2.0 is back in full swing!🎉🎉 So if you love to learn with your slippers on from the comfort of your own home, you know where to find me😊 Online workshops, business building and retouching sessions are now back on the cards, so if you want to know more about any of that, don't hesitate to get in touch. For now though, I'll leave with yet another beautiful image of the stunning Bodil. This shot was taken using one of my pastel-gel lighting setups and I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I absolutely adore how beautifully soft the colours are here😍😍 To my fellow English hibernators, hang in there and stay safe. To my American brethren..... um... good luck I guess😅😅😅 And to everyone else, have a fantastic weekend and I'll see you all again on Monday.❤️ P.S. yes I still need to go through the share-a-shoots, I'll do that over the weekend. Looking forward to taking a look at what you guys posted. Model: Bodil https://ift.tt/3ewGlUp

[jakehicksphotography]

-Stay Inspired- Just clean and crisp images of beautiful humans (granted, it's 99.9% females) this week. LINK BELOW Today we look at the work of incredible Russian photographer Mikhail Tarasov. Truth be told, I can't find out too much about this guys work or even his actual website (if it even exists). This could be due to Google being extremely hesitant to show me any Russian websites at the moment, or it could be that he's an utter recluse. Either way, we are still fortunate enough to enjoy his work via Instagram. Take a look and see for yourself, but I ask you, 'what are some of the defining qualities of this work that give it that 'professional' edge?' Sure, we have beautiful people. We have some nice light and the post-pro looks good. But is there an element here that gives it that top 5% of polish to make it really pop off the screen? This is an element that is hard to define today and what with many so many variables being at play, it can sometimes be difficult to take our work from great to truly excellent like this. You'll have to forgive me, but I can't see who sent me this guys work. If it's you then thank you and let me know. I get sent a bunch of work and bookmark it share bu then forget who sent what. Sorry. https://ift.tt/34YSdeu https://ift.tt/3ez59uL

[jakehicksphotography]

Add smoke to your headshots... This was actually all Ryo's idea so I can't claim this to be mine, but she suggested that we use smoke in her headshots. I personally haven't smoked in many years, and I don't think Ryo does either, but she did have one of those Vaping things. I'm not against smoking and I wouldn't be against smoking to get an interesting shot, but regular nicotine smoke disappears extremely quickly on set unless you have the perfect conditions. Thankfully though, certain vapes produce an awful lot of vapour that seemingly takes a while to dissipate, which is ideal for shooting a few frames. I'm sure someone can clarify which vapes produce a lot of vapour and which ones don't? Please let me know as I'm not sure what the specific element within these that does it. Either way, you can get these vapes that also only produce flavoured vapour and are not 'technically' bad for you to my knowledge. That also means, that if wanted to use these in a home studio, they wouldn't stink the place out (well not with bad smells anyway, maybe apple pie or candy pop smells instead though 😁). Might be worth considering for a specific shoot and I don't think they're criminally expensive either. If you any info on this, please let me know in the comments 😊 Model: RYO LOVE - MODEL/MAKEUP ARTIST https://ift.tt/3jYK7af

[jakehicksphotography]

-Share-a-Shoot- Welp, what a weekend! We had some disappointing news here in the U.K. and we're told that England is sent into another lockdown for the month of November 😔 That is gonna be extraordinarily tough for many businesses including portrait businesses who make the vast part of their annual income from those Christmas portraits in November. I myself have had to cancel in-person workshops and if you're booked onto one of those, the studio will be reaching out to you tomorrow to let you know the situation. GOOD NEWS THOUGH😃 I still have the December 5th Post-Pro workshop going ahead and I have my ONLINE workshop on November 25th😎 ... so be prepared for me to advertise the hell outta those between now and then😅 I hope you all had a good weekend though and let's hope that you managed to squeeze in a last minute shoot before it's too late. If you did, let's see what you got up to. Share your shots down below and if you want some feedback, let me know. Rules: Post the shot direct to the comments (no links) Keep it to one image each I promise to respond to all who post a shot in the next 24 hours. Plus: If you would like some feedback or critique, please let me know in the image description. Any extra info will also help me to help you😁 Model: RYO LOVE - MODEL/MAKEUP ARTIST https://ift.tt/324zufI

[jakehicksphotography]

What's your oldest lens that you still use? Here's a shot of the beautiful Ryo Love using one of my 'Big Studio Lighting in small Spaces' setups. This headshot was taken with my Nikon D850 on the gorgeous (now very old) 105mm f2 DC lens. The damn this is nearly 30 years old now, but goddamn if it doesn't provide some stunning shallow depth of field portraits. ...and surprisingly sharp too😅 If you're fighting the good fight and still hanging onto your Nikon DSLR like me, see if you can find a deal on one. Mine was bought years ago off of eBay and I think it'd already had several owners by the time I got it. Does anybody else think it would be fascinating to see the life of a lens? How many owners does the average 20+ year old lens have? How many shots does a lens see? It's crazy to me how viable some of these old lenses are and although many will bin a camera every few years, lenses just keep going and going thanks to how good they've been for decades now. - This Nikon105mm f/2 DC is my oldest lens that I still use, hell, I used it today to shoot some product shots, but what's your oldest lens (that you actually still use)? - Next week... You like brackets and clamps? No, not in the dungeon, in the studio!😅 Next weeks -Tech Tues- will be on '5 brackets and clamps every studio shooter needs' and it'll include some clever little tricks I use them for too :) - Have a great weekend guys (and yes I still need to go through the -Share-a-Shoot- images and give feedback; sorry for the delay), and I'll see you all again on Monday. Good luck if you have photoshoots planned🍀🍻 Model: RYO LOVE - MODEL/MAKEUP ARTIST https://ift.tt/3jL3wex

[jakehicksphotography]

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