photography Preston Page

Kimberly and Polka Dots #1, Variations

2011-12-27T23:12:00.000-06:00

Model Kimberly Andert, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay, is wearing a dress by designer Caroline Willard. This first version is the result of my basic fashion process.

The 1970s Exploitation Grunge look is courtesy a sample recipe for Nik Color Efex 4.

This cyan/sepia split tone from Nik Color Efex Pro 2 has recently become a favorite for me.

The Black Gold sample recipe for Nik Color Efex Pro 4 was the starting point for this transformation.

The movie "300" look served as the inspiration for a Lightroom 3 Develop Module preset.

The look of 1960s fashion glossies, with stark contrast and Ilford HP5, inspired this version created in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Finally, tone mapping in Nik HDR Efex added some texture and detail.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 ED
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/8s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor Flashman head in Small Chimera Super Pro bank
Support:	Handheld
Location:	Grand Center Artists Studio
Dates:	Capture - December 26, 2011, Processed - December 27, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5, Nik HDR Efex

Portrait Theory: Single Light

2011-12-23T20:57:00.000-06:00

This picture of model Mimi Graczyk, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay, is an example of a single light technique that I first noticed in the 1960's studio work of Richard Avedon and David Bailey. The approach is at once modern and classical. Here is my analysis. If you'd care to comment, I'd love to know which version of Mimi you prefer.

North Window Light
The position and quality of the single light, in this case, a small Chimera Super Pro light bank for a Broncolor Flashman head, is intended to look like North window light. Positioned opposite the light is a large black flag to kill any ambient bounce. Strong side light like this creates a profile contour delineation of the face, which carries considerable drama. For me it is important to catch light in the dark side eye and create the so called "cheek triangle" in the shadow to add depth cues. The wall behind Mimi is pure white, lit by spill from the bank. I like to flag off the bank side of the wall to create a subtle checkerboard effect with the subject.

Lens Selection
I like a slightly long lens to flatten the perspective for this kind of picture, which I think makes the subject feel slightly distant. David Bailey and Irving Penn used "normal" focal length for a number of their portraits like this, which gives the viewer the feeling one is standing too close to the subject.

Processing
The monochrome above is actually a cyan and sepia split tone, popular in the 1970s, that give the image a richer feel than pure black and white. Contrast is pumped up pretty high to emphasize the black. The monochrome versions here were made with Nik Silver Efex Pro.

This is the raw picture output from my basic beauty and fashion processing, which includes steps in Lightroom, Photoshop, Nik Vivenza and Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

Draining and shifting the color somewhat is the "300" Antiquity process. I think it is very effective with this kind of light and subject.

I call this the "Grainy Nude" setting in Nik Silver Efex 2 because the combined grain and low structure help smooth skin tones in areas makeup is unlikely to spread.

Finally, an almost pure B&W version, but for a rish coffee base stain.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/22 @ 1/125s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor Flashman head in Small Chimera Super Pro bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artists Studio
Dates:	Capture - December 19, 2011, Processed - December 22, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Messy Lips Variations

2011-12-23T13:24:00.001-06:00

Enduring more than her fair share of juicy in a tube is model Mimi Graczyk, being applied by makeup artist Yuriko Hegay. Please let me know if you have a preference among these photos.

This hand colored sepia print is my pick from this angle.

My basic beauty workflow, using Photoshop, Lightroom and Nik Color Efex 4 resulted in this picture.

Finally, the "300" Antiquity process, rendered in Lightroom 3.

A slightly different angle changes the mood significantly. This is a hand colored coffee stain print.

The raw image after basic beauty processing. Note the pink gel on #32 incisor.

Finally, the "300" Antiquity process from Lightroom 3.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/22 @ 1/125s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor Flashman head w/P70 reflector, honecomb grid and barn door set
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artists Studio
Dates:	Capture - December 19, 2011, Processed - December 23, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Hummingbird Wing Eyelashes #1

2011-12-22T23:26:00.000-06:00

Model Mimi Graczyk, hair and makeup artist Yuriko Hegay and photo stylist Susan Page prep for the last setup of the day. Yuri designed the look around the the eyelashes.

The final touch is a custom necklace from Susan's jewelry box. Mimi's ability to keep her eyes open with the weight of the lashes is nothing short of remarkable.

This fist version is a straight beauty process workflow using Photoshop, Lightroom and Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

The "300" Antiquity process is one I like to try with every picture to refine the look.

Finally, this is a new cyan/sepia split tone process I'm exploring.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/22 @ 1/125s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor Flashman head w/P70 reflector, honecomb grid and barn door set
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artists Studio
Dates:	Capture - December 19, 2011, Processed - December 22, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Maggie/Yuri #7, Beauty Process Tests

2011-11-23T21:06:00.001-06:00

Model Maggie Brabbins in makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, this is a test of my latest beauty/makeup process, which is now about 30 steps. I'd be happy to share details if anyone is interested. This first picture is processed for accurate color.

I'm still working on an "Antiquity" look and have assembled 15 Lightroom 3 presets to make the variations easy to judge.

This platinum print conversion was make with a recipe I developed for Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/13 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with small bank and reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artists Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 17, 2011, Processed - November 23, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Ka-Neffer-Neffer Mummy Mask, SLAM

2011-11-20T15:53:00.001-06:00

Many years ago, I saw a book of Egyptian artifacts from about 1855 with hand colored cyanotype prints stitched in. I still remember being startled by how modern the pictures looked, with a long tonal scale and tightly cropped details. This is my version, a close-up of of the Ka-Neffer-Neffer mummy mask on display at the St. Louis Art Museum, processed as a hand colored cyanotype.

For comparison, here is the mask in its natural color. It made of plaster with inlaid glass eyes, the object is dated at 3,200 years old, placing it from the New Kingdom Period. The mask is currently the subject of a lawsuit - see Art Museum Sues To Keep Egyptian Artifact.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 ED
Exposure:	ISO 800, f/4 @ 1/8s, Tungsten WB, RAW file
Lighting:	Museum tungsten (about 2750K)
Support:	Handheld
Location:	St. Louis Art Museum
Dates:	Capture November 19, 2011, Processed - November 20, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Japanese Bowl, SLAM

2011-11-19T17:13:00.001-06:00

This bowl from Japan is currently on exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum. The picture was made handheld, shooting through a Plexiglass case with a Nikon D700 and the AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8, at ISO 200 with three half-stop bracket at f/8.0 around 1/8s. The three shots were merged in Nik HDR Efex, using a Natural/Strong preset. This monochrome version is a modern tintype from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Megan/Yuri #8, OnOne Process Tests

2011-11-12T19:40:00.001-06:00

Model Megan Burns with makeup by Yuriko Hegay, gets yet another process workout as I test tools from OnOne Perfect Photo Suite 6. Unfortunately, most of the tools just lock up when I launch them, so this is not the test I'd planned. For basic processing, I used Photoshop CS5 to smooth skin and brighten eyes and drop in a dark gray background. I used OnOne Focus to simulate the depth of field of a Nikon 85mm f/1.8 @ f/5.6 and OnOne PhotoFrame to add the Hasselblad film border. This tight crop became a 3.2 megapixel, 6"x6" native image, so I used Perfect Resize (formerly Genuine Fractals) to up-rez to 16"x16".

I've settled on a collection of Lightroom 3 presets, loosely based on Mike Lau's 300 versions, for my upcoming "Antiquities" project that I hope to start by the end of November.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with small bank and reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture October 22, 2011, Processed - November 12, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Photoshop CS5, OnOne Suite

Megan Dillingham/Yuriko Hegay ECU Redux

2011-11-04T00:56:00.000-05:00

This set of pictures is a second pass at processing an extreme close-up of model Megan Dillingham in makeup by Yuriko Hegay, which makes use of localized contrast techniques on the lips and eyes.

The "300" process increases contrast and adds deep black, while lowering saturation to give an antique feel that retains presence.

The hand colored Van Dyke print almost looks like full color in this case.

And last, a hand colored warm toned silver print, with tonality like using an X1 filter with Tri-X and printing on Agfa Portriga Rapid.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with small bank and reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture September 17, 2011, Processed - November 3, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Ola/Erica #5 Variants+

2011-10-30T20:28:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Burns, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay, wears a dress by Ola Hawatmeh and jewelry by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute. The basic processing for fashion work is becoming more complex, so I'm trying fewer permutations.

The Antiquity process, loosely based on Mike Lau's "300" lightroom preset, is now a collection of 10 options that can be fine tuned for each image.

The hand colored Van Dyke print is a process that has become a staple.

Finally, the blue/sepia split tone.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 G
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with small bank and reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - October 22, 2011, Processed - October 30, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Fashion Sitting 2011-10-22 Process Variations

2011-10-30T13:59:00.002-05:00

Slideshow of the process variations of picks from 10/22/2011 sitting with Megan Burns, Yuriko Hegay, Ola Hawatmeh and Erica Dunk. Processing tools include Photoshop CS5, Nik Software and Lightroom 3.

Megan and Yuri Beauty Sitting

2011-10-23T23:52:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Burns gets last minute adjustments by hair and makeup artist Yuriko Hegay is this first click of the day, taken without warning, from our 10/22/2011 sitting. I frequently like the un-posed pictures better than those that are deliberate.

Susan has been after me to use this lighting technique created in the 1980s by the great Irving Penn. It looks simple, but it took several weeks before I managed to reverse engineer for film gear. For digital equipment, I had to start over. There is no less forgiving light.

Yuri on shine patrol as we prep for the next picture. I could not resist the composition.

The pit crew makes adjustments to the necklace designed by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute. Fashion photography is a collaborative art.

This is a study of the Yuri's wonderful eye makeup.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/9 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobes, main light umbrella head w/small honeycomb
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - October 22, 2011, Processed - October 23, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Erica/Ola - Process Redux

2011-10-18T23:33:00.001-05:00

1 - I was not entirely happy with the first version of this picture, so I ran it through a more elaborate processing workflow. Model Megan Burns, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay, jewelry by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute, and dress by Ola Hawatmeh is photographed with a small ring flash, which explains the red eye. I'm trying a new skin processing technique I've adapted from a workflow I found on RetouchPro.com that I quite like. I've also added Alien Skin's Blow Up 2 to my workflow.

2 - The "300" Lightroom 3 preset has become a collection of ten. This is the softest version.

3 - A competitor to the "300" is this "Early Morning" recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

4 - Finally, this blue/sepia split tone was created from a monochrome generated in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

TECHNICAL
Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure: ISO 100, f/4.0 @ 1/60s, WB Daylight, RAW
Lighting: Small TTL Ring Flash Speed Light
Location: Grand Center Artists Studio

Whitney/Yuri #1E, Thirteen Process Experiments

2011-10-16T09:43:00.000-05:00

1- Model Whitney Bartlebaugh, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay and dress by Suzanne Lay, is the subject of an experimental processing workflow. I'm trying to get back that beautiful skin glow from the combination of Fujichrome Professional 50D, German lenses and clean Broncolor light. This comes close.
.

2 - Subtle HDR from Nik HDR Efex, used for all the monochrome conversions

3 - The "300" transform from Lightroom 3.

4 - Hand colored Van Dyke print from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

5 - Modern Cyanotype from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

6 - Blue/Sepia Split Tone from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 and Lightroom 3

7 - Hand tinted modern cyanotype from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

8 - Copper hightligt/blue shadow split tone from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 and Lightroom 3

9 - Early Morning Glow from Nik Color Efex Pro 4

10 - Muted vintage film transform.

11 - Fresson print on natural paper.

12 - Black Gold HDR.

13 - Muted HDR on top of classic portrait technique.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/8 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 15, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Sandy Shaw, 1991, with Irving Penn Light

2011-10-15T19:58:00.001-05:00

Dancer Sandy Shaw is the subject, lighting by Irving Penn for his book, "Issey Miyake" is the inspiration, for this 1991 photograph. Capture made with Hasselblad 500CM, Ziess 150mm f/4 Planar, Fujichrome Professional 50D, f/11 @ 1/60s, Broncolor strobes. Digital copy of a Cibachrome print.

Monochrome conversion to platinum print in Lightroom 3.

Megan/Yuri #1G, New Fashion Process Test

2011-10-14T23:47:00.002-05:00

As I work through Scott Kelby's book about portrait retouching, I'm starting to make departures from the stock recipes as I understand better the impact of each step, especially where I plan further processing. Model Megan Dillingham is back, with amazing makeup by Yuriko Hegay, in this version straight out of the book, so to speak.

I hope to start making pictures next month that illustrate Greek Mythology themes. To that end, I'm working on a process that looks at once ancient and modern, loosely based on Mike Lau's "300" Lightroom preset.

Nik Color Efex Pro 4 has a filter named "Detail Extractor" that does a great job of emphasizing texture, like Megan's hair.

This faded grunge look from the 1970s really tortures the image.

A Glow + Grain effect changers the mood slightly.

The Fresson process printed on natural paper leaves a nice, warm glow.

Kicking off the HDR series is this "Subtle" tone map made in Nik HDR Efex.

This is the "300" version of the HDR image. It feels a little swarthy compared to the earlier "300" picture.

A straight monochrome conversion of the HDR version, made in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

An derived from the picture above it is this blue/sepia split tone make in Lightroom 3.

The hand colored cyanotype was made in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

And finally, the hand colored Van Dyke print, made in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/8 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 17, 2011, Processed - October 14, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Ola #1E, Process Variations

2011-10-12T23:30:00.001-05:00

1 - Model Megan Burns, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay and a dress by Ola Hawametah, starts this series in this version that is the result of basic RAW processing with a workflow that includes steps in Photoshop, Lightroom, Nik Dfine and Nik Vivenza.

2 - The "300" version, made in Lightroom 3.

3 - A 1970's Grunge print, made in Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

4 - A Fresson Print, warmed to look like Sheila Metzner's work, from a new recipe in Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

5 - A pseudo HDR, made with the Starry Night sample recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

6 - A soft, antique grain effect from the "Soft Grain" preset in Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

7 - The Early Morning Light recipe, made with Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

8 - A softer version of the Black Gold recipe is still too garish. It seems to work best with very flat light.

9 - The monochromes actually begin with this HDR image, created in Nik HDR Efex.

10 - A soft cyanotype, make with a high structure preset in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

11 - Starting with a straight monochrome from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, the blue/sepia split tone was applied in Lightroom 3.

12 - To make an even dozen, I dusted off the Vampyr setting in Lightroom, which is a combination of color isolate read and a blue/pink split tone.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with small bank and reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 12, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

9.24.11 Fashion Sitting: Process Variations Slide Show v4

2011-10-10T20:55:00.000-05:00

One last video of the process variations from the 9/24/11 fashion sitting.

Megan/Yuri/Erica/Ola #3D, Process Variations

2011-10-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

This series kicks off with model Megan Burn in hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay wearing jewelry by Erica Dunk - Hyper Haute and a dress by Ola Hawatmeh in a refined Lightroom 3 preset loosely based on the processing for the movie "300". It is a strong candidate for the look of a Greek Mythology series.

This is the base picture, straight out of my updated fashion retouching process using Photoshop CS5, Lightroom 3, Nik Dfine and Nik Vivenza.

A pseudo-HDR look comes from a Black Gold sample recipe for Nik Color Efex Pro 4 that I modified to be softer.

Another pseudo-HDR tone map with detail extraction from Nik Color Efex Pro 4. I like how I can shoot with a relatively crisp light and still pull out deep shadow detail.

Hyper clean look, which sacrifices some shadow detail to make the jewelry sparkle.

Finally! I put some time in to make a Sheila Metzner style Fresson print in one step, thanks to the new recipe feature in Nik Color Efex Pro 4. This is basically the film grain engine with a yellow wash.

Kicking off the monochrome is a "subtle" HDR tone map from Nik HDR Efex.

First of the monochromes is this blue/sepia split tone, which started as a straight monochrome conversion in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, with the split tone added in Lightroom 3.

A "modern" cynanotype.

A Van Dyke print from a custom recipe in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Starting with the Antique Print recipe in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, I toned down the vignette and added some color to look like tin type.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank fill
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 10, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

Pirelli Calendar 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld 'Making Of' Video Full Length | MODTV

2011-10-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

Pirelli Calendar 2011 by Karl Lagerfeld 'Making Of' Video Full Length | MODTV

Mega/Yuri/Erica #4E Process Variations

2011-10-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

1- Model Megan Burns, with makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, in jewelry by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute. The series begins with a version straight out of a fashion/jewelry base process with steps in Photoshop CS5, Lightroom 3, Nik Dfine and Nik Vivenza.

2 - The "300 Dark" created in Lighroom 3.

3 - This is a new recipe for Nik Color Efex Pro 4, that adds vintage color film and slight corner fading.

4 - The Sepia/Blue split tone conversion, made with Lightroom 3.

5- The "300 Light" version made from a flatter contrast starting image.

6- The Black Gold recipe for Nik Color Efex Pro 4 with added vignette blur.

7 - Pseudo HDR made with a combination of the detail extractor and fill light filters in Nik Color Efex 4.

8 - A warm morning glow, created in Nik Color Efex 4.

9 - Starting with the pseudo HDR image, this hand colored cyanotype was created in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

10 - Also created in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 is this hand colored Van Dyke print.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/14 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with small bank and reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 8, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Maggie/Yuri/Suzanne #2F, Eight Variations

2011-10-06T22:41:00.000-05:00

1- Model Maggie Brabbins in hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay and dress by Suzanne Lay kicks off this series in this version made with the "Starry Night" sample recipe from Nik Color Efex 4.

2 - "300" Process, Soft Version created in Lightroom 3.

3 - Early Morning recipe, Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

4 - Soft Grain, Nik Color Efex Pro 4

5 - 1930s Hollywood Glamour Still, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

6 - Blue/Sepia Split Tone, Lightroom 3.

7 - Hand Colored Van Dyke Print, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

8 - Dark Glow, Nik Color Efex Pro 4

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/9 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 17, 2011, Processed - October 6, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Erica #4E, Nine Variations

2011-10-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

1- Model Megan Burns in hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay wears jewelry by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute. This is the next-to-last picture from the 9/24 sitting I plan to process for a while, but had to try my new fashion workflow with one from this series for the complex technical challenge. We start with a clean image from the basic workflow.

2- The pro forma "300" transform is made in Lightroom 3.

Kicking up the dynamic range to 11 is the Black Gold recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

This is the same dynamic range as Black/Gold, but without he gold.

The hand tinted cyanotype is from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Last of the standard images is a grainy grunge recipe.

In Nik HDR Efex, I was playing with the Granny's Attic preset and got this image that looks like a 1950s poster from a Ray Harryhausen film.

A new technique for me, hand coloring on an Afga Portiga Rapid simulated print.

Finally, a grainy sepia, maybe a Luchino Visconti film poster?

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/9 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 5, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Erica/Ola #4A Variations

2011-10-05T14:11:00.002-05:00

Model Megan Burns in makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, wears jewelry by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute and a dress by Ola Hawatmeh. The series starts with the version straight out of my fashion process workflow.

Next, is a "Granny's Attic" conversion in Nik HDR Efex.

"300" version of the HDR image.

Hand colored cyanotype from HDR.

Monochrome conversion.

"300" process of the non-HDR version.

Cyanotype only.

Black Gold transform.

Extra Fill Light and contrast experiment.

Platinum print.

1970s Grunge look.

Sepia/Blue split tone.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 4, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

photography Preston Page: Megan/Yuri/Suzanne #2F Process Variations

2011-10-04T21:10:00.000-05:00

See more variations at: photography Preston Page: Megan/Yuri/Suzanne #2F Process Variations: Model Megan Dillingham, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay, wears Suzanne Lay for this series of processing experiments. This is the "...

Megan/Yuri/Suzanne #2F Process Variations

2011-10-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Dillingham, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay, wears Suzanne Lay for this series of processing experiments. This is the "straight" version from my new fashion process workflow.

Goddess process candidate #1, the "300" is created in Lightroom 3.

Goddess process candidate #2, the "Black Gold" recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

Goddess process candidate #3, the "Early Morning" recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

Pumping up the contrast slightly, this is the "Starry Night" recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

The "Soft Grain" recipe has a quiet sophistication that I like.

The reminds me of a trend from the early 1970s, a faded grunge look.

As always, the Fresson Print.

Last, but not least, this is a blue/sepia split tone from Lightroom 3.

Kicking off the HDR series, the single image tone mapping in Nik HDR Efex for this version is the "Subtle" preset with a lens vignette.

I have a "Hollywood Glamour Still" preset in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 that I use for most monochrome conversions.

This hand colored modern cyanotype was created in Nik Color Efex Pro 2.

An finally, a hand colored Van Dyke print was also made in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/11 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 17, 2011, Processed - October 4, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

Megan/Yuri/Erica/Ola #2D Variations

2011-10-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Burns, with makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, wears jewelry by Erica Dunk and a dress by Ola Hawatmeh. This is the "straight" version showing the full dress coming out of my fashion process workflow.

The "300" process is coming along. I'm spending less time with the sliders.

The Black/Gold sample recipe for Nik Color Efex Pro 4 has endless possibilities.

The Starry Night preset reminds me of the contrast from Kodachrome 25.

A very 70s look comes from a faded grunge approach in Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

Color Efex Pro 3 is still installed for two presets I use often; in this case, the Fresson print.

Finally, the Grainy Glow sample recipe sets its own mood.

Cranking up the dynamic range with single image tone mapping in Nik HDR Efex is worth exploring. In this case, the "Granny's Attic" preset was used as-is.

Based on the HDR version, this hand colored Van Dyke print comes from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Finally, I converted the HDR image to a monochrome platinum tone in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, then applied the blue/sepia split tone in Lightroom 3.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 ED
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/9 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe, small bank, reflector
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 3, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Erica/Ola #2C - 7 Variations

2011-10-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Burns, with makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, wears jewelry designs by Erica Dunk/Hypter Haute and a dress designed by Ola Hawatmeh in my first attempt at professional beauty processing. I haven't been entirely satisfied with the Lightroom 3 processing tools alone, so I decided to close my skill gap with the help of Scott Kelby's Photoshop CS5 workflow detailed in his book, "Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers".

Back in Lightroom, this is the 300 process - still working on it.

This "Classical Goddess" look came from a recipe I'm working on in Nik Color Efex Pro 4, which competes in my mind with the "300" look. I don't have a preference yet.

I'm looking for a way to bump contrast without making the image harsh. I think this Nik Color Efex Pro 4 recipe adapted from a the sample "Starry Night" is a keeper.

The hand colored Van Dyke print is my most subtle yet, created in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Show here for reference only, this is a subtle HDR I made using Nik HDR Efex as an intermediate step for monochrome conversions.

Using the HDR image, I made a monochrome conversion, then applied a blue/sepia split tone in Lightroom 3 to get a modern version of the Leni Reifenstahl "Blue Light" effect.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/9 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 2, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, Photoshop CS5

Megan/Yuri/Erica Ola #2B, 12 Variations

2011-10-02T00:03:00.001-05:00

Model Megan Burns, with makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, wear original jewelry by Erica Dunk - Hyper Haute and a dress by Ola Hawatmeh. Lighting is a small ring light flash against gray seamless paper. This is the base shot.

The "300" look, now with grain, was made with Lightroom 3.

The Black Gold preset doesn't work here, but I'm not entirely sure why. Perhaps the skin tones need to be lighter to avoid the textures.

A muted grain recipe in Nik Color Efex Pro 4 a feel of Agfachrome from the 80s.

The "Enhanced Morning" is a new favorite, competing with the 300.

A very tough grunge process has a 1970s grit to it.

I stumble upon this Sunset Glow this evening.

This recipe is called "Starry Night". The highlights sparkle and the shadows inky.

The only monochrome in the bunch is this hand colored Van Dyke print.

Maggie/Yuri/Suzanne - Nik Color Efex Pro 4 Variations

2011-10-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

So we finally see model Maggie Brabbins eyes in a beauty shot, with makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay and wearing an original design by Suzanne Lay. It is my pick of the series, and the base image for all the others.

The "Late Evening" recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4 adds glow and contrast. I like the texture, but the overall effect feels flat.

I employed Nik HDR Efex and the "End of the Road" preset to get hot Technicolor look.

Is is a "soft and grainy" version of the "300" preset in Lightroom 3.

This is a vintage Glamour Glow from Nik Color Efex.

Another "300" version, softer still.

The "Early Morning" preset from Nik Color Efex Pro 4 competes with my affection for the "300" preset.

A more subtle than usual hand colored Van Dyke print came from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Experimenting in Nik Color Efex Pro 4, I came up with this dark, grainy setting.

Ending with a strong monochrome starting in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, the finished in Lightroom 3.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/13 @ 1/60s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 17, 2011, Processed - October 1, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

Nik Color Efex Pro 4 Tests with Megan and Yuri

2011-10-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Burns with makeup by Yuriko Hegay starts this series with a straight, textbook beauty shot using Scott Kelby's 5 minute workflow.

The new Nik Color Efex Pro 4 enables mixing and saving filters. This is essentially the same treatment, but it was a single button click.

The "300" processing get two mentions in this post. The first one comes from the original Mike Lau preset that I backed off.

This is my version of the "300", adapted for the settings in Lightroom 3.

Megan gets a little contrast boost, lowered saturation and a small glow from Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

One of the Nik Color Efex Pro 4 samples that are already favorites of mine is this glow/grain effect.

I saw some vintage Technicolor Hollywood movie stills that I thought I'd try to duplicate. This is the Nik HDR Efex "End of the Road" preset with considerable tweaking.

Last but not least of the color work is the black/gold sample recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4 that I used for the start setting.

Beginning the monochrome conversions is this hand colored cyanotype from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

Ending the series with a new hand colored Van Dyke recipe for Nik Silver Efex Pro that I've been thinking about. It is softer than previous versions.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/13 @ 1/60s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty and small bank
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - October 1, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

Megan/Yuri/Erica/Ola #1A - Twelve Variations

2011-10-01T17:53:00.001-05:00

Model Megan Burns, with makeup and hair by Yuriko Hegay, wears jewelry by Erica Dunk/Hyper Haute and a ten pound dress by Ola Hawatmah, kicks off this series of experiments with a straight shot, straight out of a terse beauty workflow. Lighting here is a small, $89 ring flash. I'm amazed by how clean the light is.

Jumping straight into HDR mode, the "Clean City 2" preset in Nik HDR Efex looked most natural for a starting point.

The hand colored cyanotype has become a staple of these experiments. I like the contrast.

Cranking up the glow to 11 in Nik Color Efex Pro 4. A little too far, but I like the contours.

The platinum print from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 really pops.

Made from a clone of the platinum, this blue/sepia split tone looks smoother than most HDR versions.

The hand colored Van Dyke print is a little pink, but I like the tone range. I might take another stab at it.

HDR with a slight Glamour Glow from Nik Color Efex Pro 4. This one really pops.

The glow plus grain is a very nice baroque feel.

A killer dark sepia wash in Nik Color Efex Pro 4.

High structure smothered with a glow and slightly lowered saturation.

The Black Gold sample recipe from Nik Color Efex Pro 4 has rapidly become my favorite. However, the picture has to be prepared just right before applying the effect because it can go ugly fast.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/4 @ 1/60s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Small ring flash speed light
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 24, 2011, Processed - September 25, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

Megan/Yuri/Ola #1A, Process Variations

2011-10-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

Model Megan Burns wears an original design by Ola Hawatmeh, with hair and makeup by Yuriko Hegay. This is my pick of the lot, adding a slight glow and contrast boost in Nik Color Efex Pro 4. Lighting is a Broncolor beauty dish and round gold reflector. I've been shooting medium and full length pictures with the AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 for some pictures. The contrast and resolution are outstanding.

The new Nik Color Efex Pro 4 opens an image with a contrast control tool. I made a slight change here to boost the sparkle.

For the monochrome conversions, I ran through Nik HDR Efex using the "Subtle" preset.

Starting with the HDR image, this hand tinted Van Dyke print comes from Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

The hand colored cyanotype also started with the HDR image, then processed in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.

The HDR version was first converted to a was monochrome in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2, then toned in Lightroom 3 to get the split blue/sepia effect.

This is the base version, before processing in Nik tools.

The "300" preset for Lightroom 2 by Mike Lau is the starting point for my own "300" set of presets I've developed for Lightroom 3. Here I've introduced a little grain.

The Black/Gold sample recipe in the Nik Color Efex Pro 4 served as the starting point for this version.

Technical
Camera:	Nikon D700
Lens:	AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
Exposure:	ISO 100, f/10 @ 1/100s, Daylight WB, RAW
Lighting:	Broncolor strobe with single beauty dish
Support:	Gitzo Basalt Tripod and Acratech GP-2 ball head and leveling base
Location:	Grand Center Artist Studio
Dates:	Capture - September 17, 2011, Processed - September 29, 2011
Processing:	Lightroom 3.3, Nik HDR Efex, Nik Color Efex Pro 4, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

Dead Leaves, HDR Redux

2010-10-23T13:17:00.000-05:00

First pass through Nik HDR Efex using a preset I made called "Dark Vintage".

This monochrome version was made using Nik Silver Efex Pro.

The original monochrome I made might well still be the best of the series.

Lens: Nikkor AF 24-85mm f2.8-4 IF

Camera: Nikon D100

Exposure: ISO 200, 85mm @ f/8 @ 1/60s, Auto WB, handheld, RAW

Lighting: Daylight, dusk, on-camera fill flash

Location: My house

Date: Capture - 2007-11-11, Processing - 2010-10-12

Processing: Lightroom 3, Nik Suite, Photoshop CS5

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2008-11-20T13:50:00.001-06:00

Quantum of Solace Review

2008-11-16T12:12:00.001-06:00

After my first experience with James Bond, seeing the movie "Dr. No" in 1962, I've been a avid fan and always looked forward to the next release in the franchise. I freely admit that Bond movies don't aim at art, but they have all had a glossy style, memorable, iconic characters and a degree of cool often imitated but never equalled. "Quantum of Solace" is the second 007 film in the series reboot staring Daniel Craig. After "Casino Royale" I was really looking forward to "Quantum". Unfortunately, this could be the worst Bond film in the series, including even the 1967 satire version of "Casino Royale", because it fails to deliver on quality.

The cast is great and the script seemed to have potential, but director Marc Forster's work is just terrible. Forster seems embarrassed and bored by the material, leaving us with a muddled mess to wade through. The opening sequence gives us a confusing car chase, but with no build up, we don't know why the action is taking place or even who is chasing whom. Is Bond chasing someone or visa versa? What is at stake? Is this even a Bond film?

The editing of the opening car chase is really bad. Maybe the film makers didn't shoot enough coverage and the fast cuts were designed to distract from continuity errors. Unfortunately, the opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the film and things don't improve at all. After my first experience with James Bond, seeing the movie "Dr. No" in 1962, I've been a avid fan and have always looked forward to the next release in the franchise. I freely admit that Bond movies don't aim at art, but they have all had a glossy style, memorable, iconic characters and a degree of cool often imitated but never equalled. "Quantum of Solace" is the second 007 film in the series reboot staring Daniel Craig. After "Casino Royale" I was really looking forward to "Quantum". Unfortunately, this could be the worst Bond film in the series, including even the 1967 satire version of "Casino Royale", because it fails to deliver on all aspects of the quality that is the Bond brand.

The cast is great, and while the script seemed to have some potential, it wasn't ready. When you see three screen writer credits, you know a turd is being polished. With no script, there is no reason to get out the cameras.

At the end of the day, the director is in charge. For "Quantum" director Marc Forster's work is just terrible. I sense he is embarrassed and bored by the material, showing it no respect. Forster leaves us with a muddled mess to wade through. The opening sequence gives us a confusing car chase, but with no build up, we don't know why the action is taking place or even who is chasing whom. Is Bond chasing someone or visa versa? What is at stake? Is this even a Bond film?

The editing of the opening car chase is really bad. Maybe the film makers didn't shoot enough coverage and the fast cuts were designed to distract from continuity errors. Unfortunately, the opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the film and things don't improve at all.
After the opening credits, treated to a confused scuffle and aimless foot chase, intercut with a local festival. The cut aways from the action served no purpose other than to interrupt the action and make the action confusing and drained of suspense. There is no sense of purpose or struggle. Just ho-hum sequenses cut together really fast.

And so goes the rest of the movie, with missing or inadequate exposition. Bond shows up somewhere, has a fight and bleeds a lot. Most of the time we don't know Bond's motivation or that of the bad guys, so this movie all opportunity for that critical audience participation called suspense. We are left with dull, aimless action and critical plot points recited as throw away lines. You know, one of THOSE movies. Not a Bond film.

There were some bright spots. Craig's bleeding, sweating Bond is fun and refreshing, despite continuity problems with the wounds vanishing when he puts on a tuxedo. Olga Kurylenko turns in a solid performance as Camille that is better than the material. Mathieu Amalric as the vile Dominic Greene was positively reptillian, but the script let him down with inept dialog that was beyond salvage. The core script idea was fantastic, with an invisible organization quietly pulling the economic strings of the world through extortion. Unfortunately, the three screen writers could not focus the story.