How to find a model in five words! Episode 3

We did it, well sort of. Not the best shots we've ever taken but some keepers. Michael has been hitting the Rosetta Stone a little harder than expected and used a couple more than five words. We actually got some people to pose and jump which was great so don't be too harsh! In any case, the main point behind this video is to show that you shouldn't put any barriers between you and taking pictures. We are in a foreign country, we speak barely any spanish, and taking pictures of people on the street is just not common, but even that is not going to stop us from taking pictures. You don't need hours of preparation, a professional model, a ton of photo gear or even a good day. Just lighten up and shoot!!!

Click on Read More for technical info and pictures of the shoot !!

The Free Running Shoot! Crapola, Crapola, Crapola!

Curse you nap time, because of you we screwed up!  Not to say there aren't some cool shots, just not what we planned...and that sucks! Ok, frustration rant over, lesson learned, here's what happened...

Photos, the rest of the story and where you can comment cursing nap time after the break!!

FIREFOX USERS, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HIT READ MORE TO SEE THE VIDEO!!

Happy New Year! Manizales - Behind the Scenes

Happy New Year everyone!! We're very excited to start this new year and see what lightenupandshoot.com turns into! We're all very excited to have the amount of followers, visitors, facebook friends, skype contacts that have boarded this lightenupandshoot.com bus! So buckle your seatbelts, this 2010 is going to be an amazing year for all of us!

We have a ton of fun stuff planned for all of you folks and we can't wait to share all of it. But, first thing is first. The ebook!! The ebook should be done shortly, like we said in the video we just keep adding and adding and adding stuff to it, so delivery has been a little delayed! Don't worry you should have it by 2011, Just kidding!!

More info and pics after the break!

VERY BIG NOTE: FIREFOX USERS MIGHT HAVE TO CLICK READ MORE TO SEE VIDEO!

Behind The Scenes: La Ceja: lightenupandshoot.com

So we were sitting at my apartment deciding where to go and shoot for the official help portrait day (12-12-09). Over peanut butter and jelly we decided on two towns, the first day we would hit La Ceja (means Eyebrow in English) and the second, El Carmen (no direct translation). They are about 25 minutes apart and they would be easy to reach by Colombia's very good public transportation system.

We pack up our backpacker's studio along with the, what feels like 100 pound vagabond battery and canon printer. A full set of ink cartridges and 40 sheets of paper...oh yeah!!!

Photos and more details of our trip after the break...

pixel peepers episode 2

Oh how quickly we fall into the world of pixel peeping!! A quick video to show a little humor into the somewhat (understatement) overblown world of pixel peeping, lens alignment and every other problem that cameras have on the internet. Remember people, the cameras now are ALL amazing...if your pictures suck...it's you!!!!

5 Mistakes Retouchers Hate! - Episode 4

Oh how slowly they learn. After taking excessive measures I have finally been able to convince Michael of his mistakes. He's fine...recovering from his dehydration and allergic reaction to the duct tape quickly...he should be up and running in the next few days. Granted the Doc did say his lip swelling will take a little longer, thankfully he loves drinking soup through a straw!

In all seriousness these 5 errors are easily corrected during the shoot. STOP BEING LAZY. Digital has helped out in many positive ways, but the biggest con is how lazy photographers are becoming. I don't know how many times I have heard "I'll fix it in Photoshop", well I say...screw you take a good picture!!

Example pictures after the break!

why colombia? episode 1

Ok, so this is our first video, our introduction so take it lightly. It just gives you a quick peak into how we (two gringo photographers) ended up in Medellin, Colombia of all places. Enjoy!!!