High-Level Principles for Fine-art Processing
In this new blog post, I’m focusing on the Why instead of just the How of fine-art post-processing by presenting a few high-level principles that form the basis of a structured method of processing to create images that are visually effective and aesthetic. Principles...
Apple Silicon (M1) processors and Intel-based Photoshop plugins compatibility
With the recent arrival, late 2020, of Apple computers with their new Silicon (M1) processors, this blog post contains important information for people with a new Apple M1 computer and who are also using Adobe Photoshop with or without third party software and...
Top 5 Books for Fine Art photographers
Introduction In 2016 I published my top 5 of photography books that I've read and would recommend anyone to read. Looking at the list one can see that they weren't the typical photography books. Books that were targeted at those among us who want to profess...
B&W Fine Art Online Workshop
B&W Fine Art Online Workshop - The HOW and WHY INFO AND SIGN UP PAGE WORKSHOP HAS FINISHED - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED In these times of a pandemic, I was forced to rethink the way I would teach workshops. And I came to the conclusion that there are certain important...
Nondestructive and destructive editing in Photoshop
Rethinking destructive and nondestructive editing in Photoshop. An article on destructive and nondestructive editing in Photoshop to broaden your horizon and to also consider so-called ‘destructive editing’. I’m positing that destructive editing very rarely happens, even if you don’t use the traditional method of adjustment layers. In fact, it might inspire you to think differently and enable more creative and subtle images:
Creating 16-bit luminosity masks
Creating 16 bits luminosity masks and half masks A tutorial on the creation of the normal (integer) and half luminosity masks in 16 bits for Photoshop using the Calculation and Levels method combined without loading selections.In one of my older blog posts from 2014 I...
Photoshop Masks and Selections Guide
In this article, I’ll give an overview of available Photoshop masking methods, types of masks, the difference between masks and selections, when to use them, and a few tips and guidelines for better masking and less frustration. And keep in mind: a smart photographer/artist is someone who also knows when NOT to create selections. If you don’t need them and can solve it in an easier and faster way, then don’t waste your time.
FIGURE-CONTRAST-DEPTH – A PRACTICAL MODEL FOR FINE-ART PHOTOGRAPHY
This article describes and suggests a practical step-by-step method for fine-art processing, purely seen from an artistic and aesthetic point of view without going into the technical aspects of Photoshop at all, as I firmly believe Photoshop skills shouldn’t be decisive. And I will try to demonstrate that you can actually do with almost no Photoshop knowledge at all to create high-end gallery worthy and award-winning prints.
Asymmetrical luminosity masks for more accurate editing in Photoshop
Using and creating 16 bits asymmetrical luminosity masks in Photoshop for ultimate controlAn article and tutorial on the use and creation of asymmetrical luminosity masks for better and more accurate tonal separation and editing in Photoshop In my recently released...
The individual experience as evidence for the artistic statement
Column 4 with my short opinion on current (photography) affairs or just another short thought related to photography. In any case they all only express a personal opinion. Today's column is on the importance of the individual experience as part of the artistic...
On portraiture and self portraiture in photography
Column 3 with my short opinion on current (photography) affairs or just another short thought related to photography. In any case they all only express a personal opinion. Today's column is on portraiture and self-portraiture in photography. On portraiture and...
Embracing Limitations in Fine Art Photography
Photography and fine-art photography in the digital age, when does photography stop being photography and becomes digital manipulation? What is ‘allowed’ and what isn’t? A deconstruction and an analogy with the evolution of painting and the evolution of analog photography resulting in the recommendation of giving clarity in what has been done in postproduction and anything is allowed.
The art and essence of street photography
Column 2 with my short opinion on current (photography) affairs or just another short thought related to photography. In any case they all only express a personal opinion. Today's column is on the essence of true street photography and why and how it differs from news...
Large Format Photography 1 – getting started
Large Format Photography 1 - Getting Started - Equipment From Left to Right: A Linhof 4x5 Large Format and a Gibellini 4x5 Large Format with wide-angle bellows INTRODUCTION Before I kick off this series on Large Format Photography, there are a few things I need to...
Creating striking, subtle dark images in B&W photography
Creating Striking But Subtle Dark Images In Black And White Photography There are many wrong assumptions in black and white photography, when it comes down to tonal zones and what they represent, and how contrasts should be used to reveal details. In this tutorial...
BW Artisan Lite Panel
Introducing a FREE, stripped-down version, of the B&W Artisan Pro Panel: BW Artisan Lite. Only subscribers to our newsletter will receive a password for the free download of the panel, including other discounts. The power of this panel is in its subtle and accurate local adjustments. Just select free-form and adjust with the push of a button
Being a professional photographer in the digital age
Making a living out of professional photography in the digital age is not always what you might expect. Perhaps this assertion can be rephrased by replacing photography with any other profession/skillset in the age of Internet and social media. Because, does it really...
Column: Cliches and authenticity in art
Introducing a new section on my website that I call Column and will be filled with an opinion, current (photography) affairs or just another short thought related to photography. In any case they all only express a personal opinion. I tend to post to this column at least twice a month. I’m kicking off with ‘Cliches and authenticity’.
Large Format Photography in the digital age
Announcing articles on 4×5 large format photography in the digital age, using a hybrid workflow, which will be an integral part of this website from now onwards.
Architectural photography: derivative or fine-art?
Is a photograph of an existing artistic creation, such as a building or sculpture, derivative and can it therefore not be considered fine-art photography? Is it even plagiarism? An analysis and conclusions.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS IN ART
What is creativity? How elusive is it and can we learn creativity? This article tries to describe the creative process and what it really is based on an influential essay of military strategist John R. Boyd and then tries to apply it to the artistic process.
Interview with Julia Anna Gospodarou
An in-depth interview with multiple award-winning fine-art photographer and architect Julia Anna Gospodarou. We don’t talk gear or techniques only art and photography.
Architectural Photography – Real estate and fine art
Architectural photography can roughly be separated in traditional or real estate architectural photography on one hand and fine art architectural photography on the other hand. The difference is a difference in intention of the photographer.
Black and White Photography Summer Course
It’s been 4 years ago since I last did an online workshop. Therefore, I’ve decided to do another online workshop this summer. This one-off online workshop will be limited to only 5 students. You can learn anything you want and ask anything you want, as long if it’s related to the art of photography.