Adding extra Spark to your image

Adding a dynamic element to your image immediately creates interest. Anything moving and active gives a vibrancy to standard photography that helps models pose better and makes shots stand out from the crowd. Here are a few elements you should consider throwing into your next shoot to spice up the mix:

Sparks
Fire
Smoke
Water
Wind
Confetti
Bubbles
(what else can you think of?)

This image was shot in a welding shop with a real welder throwing sparks at the model throughout the shoot. It was fun, exciting, and added an element of adventure to a shoot that might have otherwise been a bit mundane.

Scanning your hand drawn images

Angel
Originally uploaded by Joseph Brewster Photography

This image was created from a scan of a pencil drawing done on textured art paper. Levels adjustments, shading, and some color hinting was done in Photoshop. Don't let the digital technology steal your hands on art. Do some art with real brushes and pens, then scan it in and see what you can do with it.

Photoshop Tutorial: selective color

A tutorial on fast selective color. Non-destructive edit using mask and brush tool

A Photoshop Tutorial: fake blood

A short tutorial on creating fake blood in photoshop using layers, brushes, opacity, and blending modes

A Photoshop Tutorial: Isolating Hair (Basic)

A basic tutorial on hair isolation using masking and background eraser

Transforming an image

zombie girl
Originally uploaded by Joseph Brewster Photography

With our current technology, the only limit to your photo is your imagination and your skill on a computer. This image was taken from a set of boring shots we messed around with while waiting on a makeup artist. I loved the look the model had and the angle of the image, but I hated the background. The image on the right was accomplished by layering makeup, lighting effects, and brush strokes. The arms are actually ine, shot against a white wall and patched into the image.

Spend some time challenging yourself for no other reason than to improve. This one was done purely because I wanted to see if I could do it. Allow yourself some time to create without deadlines or client revisions. See an image for what it can be and not always just what it is!

Emphasizing Shadows

In the sunset
Originally uploaded by Joseph Brewster Photography

Here's a thought: Let a strong shadow dominate your image. Don't be afraid of giving the shadows space to create drama and emotion.