Easy on the Contrast!

 Hey Everyone, 

      I have been enjoying choosing some of my photo collection to work on and present in this blog. This evening I wanted to explore working on photos in black and white. As I spoke in my last post, my main focus was composition, I felt I was able to achieve some satisfying shots, now the hard part is bringing them to life. Confession: Post-processing is in my blood! The photo you compose is your template, and I love exploring tools to make that image my art. For beginners checking out this blog, that means I am slowly transitioning to shooting in RAW mode only. In the future, I will definitely share some point and shoot, JPEG and mobile photography blogs. I have seen some amazing work done by iPhone and Android photographers alike, This photo was shot in RAW format,allowing me full control over how I can process it. I then merged three photos of different exposures (levels of light per unit area) to create a dynamic image. I didn't stop there, I made numerous adjustments in Adobe Lightroom, and then made the final edits using Google's Nik Collection. My style will go as follows, I will dial up the edits and pull back as I feel comfortable. Contrast truly is a huge part of a photo, as this defines what the users eye will be drawn to.  I enjoy the result, and I hope someone can find inspiration from it!

      

Downtown Miami

Composition Composition Composition!!

Hello Everyone!

     I am trying to post to the blog more often, as editing my photos is an outlet. I love being connected to a vibrant community of people who love to create beautiful photos. In this blog, I look forward to discussing all things photography, and on my last photowalk my main goal was to practice composition. Before listening to my Skillshare lessons on composition, I had the idea that I should include tons of information in my images. I was guilty of snapping without purpose.
This was a flawed concept, and my past photos were simply too "busy". I've focused on keeping it simple, applying the "Rule of Thirds" often, and framing my photos so that the viewers eye can focus on one subject. This is my latest shot, in High-Dynamic Range (HDR) format, my favorite style which I will also go over in the future! Have a great day and evening everyone!

Downtown Miami- HDR 

New Day,New Camera!

Hey Everyone,
 
        I am sitting out in Miami right now, and I finally have the tools I need to get this project moving! I have purchased the Sony A6000 Interchangeable Lens Camera, and a 55-210mm zoom lens to start having some fun! I have officially completed my first Photowalk here in Miami, and I look forward to sharing some of the results on this blog. My main focus will be connecting the end viewer to the concepts that I used to compose, and edit my photos. Here is my first post processed image from the shoot, along with one I took sitting on the Miami River bank of Bayfront park. I hope everyone enjoys!

Bayfront Park and History Miami 

Exciting Times!

Hey Guys,

     It has been a while since I've posted, life has been quite busy. However, I am in the midst of making some major advances to move on from the "Pilot" phase of my photo bridge concept. Today I was notified that I was approved for a scholarship for Aspiring Photographers from Skillshare and the Visual Supply Co (VSCO) team! I have an unlimited year of photography skill tutorials at my disposal and more tools to bring to the table! Stay tuned, for I am waiting for the last piece of my endeavor. In the meantime click my VSCO link below, to check out some of my cell phone photos, and download the app and join if you haven't already!

http://seanm.vsco.co/grid/1

In The Beginning

How did this journey begin?

     I've always loved art, but loving art and being capable of producing art are two different things. Being a person who did not excel at the hands-on arts, I always appreciated them yet yearned for my own way to express myself. I have always enjoyed the camera, and the rise of the Internet, and social media accelerated my love for photography. I have been inspired the most by Trey Ratcliff and the photography community of Google+. I'll go through those in another post on the Bridge. For now, I'll introduce you to my cameras! This is where it all starts. Whatever your budget, do your research and pick one up. Even if it's your cell phone. Start wherever you're comfortable and explore it. I use the Nikon D3000 and the Nikon J1 as my quick shooter,  I'm also going to say I don't care what you use. You are the artist, I won't choose your brush.

Welcome to the Bridge!

Hello Everyone, 

  

 Welcome to my photo blog! I am going to attempt to walk you through the journey that I have taken to transform from the person who admired photography, to the person who sharpens his own photo skills. I've gazed in the wonder at the photography world on the web, and through my personal interactions with photographers. From the moment I picked up a camera, all I had was the instruction manual, but I realized I wanted more. I want to be the "bridge" which connects the complex concepts which make photography an individual, vibrant art form into a format that could connect with those who have a passion, but are not sure where to start. This post begins that endeavor. In this journey I'll document where I started, how I started and show you not just the photos which I feel are improving on every shoot, but the photos which were complete failures. Thank you for visiting!