Where Have I Been?!

One would easily assume that being retired would offer one an abundance of free time! That's what I thought, but have found out that it's just not true. Even I am amazed that it has been nearly a month since I wrote in this blog! The days, weeks and months are flying by and every day seems to offer another challenge. Add in the holidays, and voila, time becomes a precious commodity.
So, where have I been? Well, since my last entry I have been to Franklin Tennessee and Tupelo Mississippi. I have spent countless days shopping, wrapping Christmas gifts, sending out Christmas cards and maintaining a household. I have no idea how I managed to get these things accomplished when I worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. Add in Holiday decorating, chatting with friends on Facebook, turning people into Elves (YES! Who doesn't love Photoshop?!) and shooting photographs for a photography challenge, and there you have it! Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into a month, and I realize I'm still running behind!
I am posting two photo's today. The first was shot specifically for a photo challenge and the other photo was shot during a shoot back in October. I received a request from the model asking me if I could turn her into an Elf! Why, Yes! I can!

Photoshop the hell out of it!

Have you ever gone out, taken great photo's, and then realize everyone else is getting better results? How is this possible?!

Let me fill you in... They're photoshopping the hell out of it!

Here's the truth of the matter...All photographers photoshop pictures; especially portraits. In fact, it's now even accepted in major photo competitions; including Nikon's worldwide competition.

Okay, so you may think this is "cheating" but in the world of digital photography there's no escaping it. No one looks the way you think they do. It doesn't matter what your personal opinion is regarding "fixing" photo's, it's expected! Everyone wants to look their best, and we as consumers expect everyone to look their best! So, we not only use photoshop, but we are expected to use photoshop.

Certain photographers are sought after because they have a reputation of taking amazing photo's. In reality, when it comes to portraits, the photographer isn't actually taking amazing photo's, but they're amazing at editing!

Whether you agree or disagree with the tricks of the trade doesn't matter. What matters is whether or not the client is happy. So, next time you look at a photograph and wonder how that photographer got so good ask yourself if what you're seeing is really what the photographer shot!

Photo's: Eastcreek Photography