My name is Pratik Naik, a retoucher in the photography industry! This is where I post about personal content, industry news, and tech tips. Website | link Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
The SmugMug schedule is out for the Photography Show!
http://news.smugmug.com/2016/02/26/leaving-on-a-jet-plane-to-attend-the-photography-show-uk/
Come watch me talk! Ā You can find more details about the show here:Ā
http://www.photographyshow.com/
Schedule:Ā
19th to the 22nd at the NEC center in Birmingham, UK.Ā
Who Would Win If The Rest Of The World Could Vote For The President Of The United States?
My audience on Facebook is very diverse, theyāre from all over the world and quite an intelligent bunch. As the United States has a large impact in world affairs, itās no wonder that they all pay attention to what is happening here.Ā
What if people from other countries could vote for the best U.S. candidate, who would they vote for? I asked who they thought was the best candidate for our future, and here is what they said. We had well over 150 responses, a vast majority of voices from the target demographic.Ā
Over 90% said Sanders across any party, Democrat or Republic.Ā
The responses kept coming and coming. Sanders was the leading voice.Ā
Who else did they mention the rest of the time? Clinton was the next choice. Some people said that the country of Canada should be President. Some said that it doesnāt matter and that weāre doomed regardless. Then some others were surprised that out of all the bright minds we have, these were our best options.Ā
Do you want to see all of the responses? Check it out here:Ā
https://www.facebook.com/SolsticeRetouch/posts/10102966270043226?pnref=story
I guess you can say that if the World voted, weād have a different outlook to what is currently happening. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective and the voice couldnāt be clearer.Ā
This was very fascinating question. Was it the result you expected?Ā
As a bonus, I leave you with these awesome videos:
If you think image manipulation is new, think again. Learn how to retouch actual glass negatives using nineteenth-century techniques in this unique hands-on workshop.
An outstanding class about retouching glass negatives! I do hope more classes like this happen.Ā
If you think image manipulation is new, think again. Learn how to retouch actual glass negatives using nineteenth-century techniques in this unique hands-on workshop. The art of retouching evolved in the mid-nineteenth century when early photographic negatives were only blue sensitive. The results were often extraordinary.
Negative manipulation was generally performed to correct problems associated with color sensitivity, but it was also used as a creative tool, as Photoshop is used today.
All participants will be given actual collodion on glass negatives to keep, specifically made for this workshop by Mark Osterman. Participants will learn how to enhance the deficiencies inherent in early negative processes and apply new creative effects.
Featured techniques will include scuffing the varnished surface, drawing directly on the negative with graphite, selective dodging with the use of tissue overlays, and vignetting and creating cloud negatives on paper. Retouched negatives will then be āproofedā by the salted paper printing process.
This class includes a visit to the Department of Photography to see vintage examples of albumen and salt prints from retouched negatives by Gustave Le Gray, Eadweard Muybridge, Carleton Watkins, Franz Hanfstaengl, Anne Brigman, and others.
Photato: Your Spirit Spud!Ā
An idea I had that I made last night. The word never left my head, so I had to design it.His wonky eyes and lack of limbs didnāt deter his happiness. Heās going to capture the world... and your heart!Ā
Vogue China Removed Gigi Hadidās Moles And Fans Are Unhappy
If youāre familiar with supermodel Gigi Hadid, youāll know that she has moles across her mid-section.Ā
On the cover of Vogue Chinaās recent cover, they suddenly werenāt there. As you can imagine, fans were definitely not pleased with the removal of her moles.Ā
Over 4,000 comments came in and here are some of them:
They photoshopped her stomach moles.
PHOTOSHOPPED!!!!!! NOT ACTUAL COVERĀ
People are mad that China photoshopped Gigi yet vs pink did the same thing
Wow they totally covered up all your beauty marks on your stomach.
You can read the rest of them here (link).
Considering that a few other campaigns and editorials have done the same, youād think people would be fine with it. Apparently, they werenāt.Ā
The other element was that people also noticed how her face is much whiter than her natural skin color. I guess you can chalk it up to artistic direction, and naturally, people were wondering why they brightened her skin so much.Ā
How much of these decisions do you think were based on appealing to the target demographic?Ā
14 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self Starting In The Photography Industry
I was internalizing a dialogue I had the other day after seeing a mistake someone made on how they presented their thoughts and the reaction it received, when I realized that what I was actually doing was telling myself what I wish I knew early on in my career. It encompassed some mistakes along the way, and some key points that I feel some people may benefit from reading.
You will not agree with every point, and donāt worry, you shouldnāt. At the least, youāll agree and consider one of them. That is what is what I hope to achieve.
Without much banter, hereās a few things I wish I could tell my younger self when I started out in the industry. Ā
1. Be open minded enough to understand that just because you do not like it, doesn't mean it's bad.
2. Stop being offended and start bring proactive.
Itās really easy to say when something bothers you. Do something about it and use it as an opportunity to prove to yourself that your idea was in fact the better one. If it bothers you that much, do better and improve upon whatās already there in your own life instead. At best, think of it as a new-found business venture or free education!Ā
Make a difference instead of making no difference.Ā
3. If you do not like something and they did not ask for your opinion, it's probably best not to leave your thoughts.Ā
If you do not know if theyāre open to it, they probably don't care and there's a good chance they'll also dislike you for it.
4. Feel free to discuss politics and religion, also feel free in knowing you are alienating half your audience. If you have clients follow you, you're harming your business.
5. Trust your instinct.Ā
It's better to go on instinct rather than over-analyzing, whether it comes to color choices or editing selects... or your life.
6. Be concise and direct in your communication.Ā
People go through plenty of messages, no one wants a five paragraph essay when it can be compressed into a few lines. Know when to elaborate and know when itās not necessary.Ā
Itās an art, study those that have mastered it.
7. Make sure the client's name is spelled correctly.
Ask me how I know! My name is Pratik, if you can re-arrange those letters in your head, chances are Iāve been called it. Ā
8. Not everyone is going to like you and your work and they will go out of their way to let you know.Ā
Keep saying it till it doesn't bother you. Say it one more time. It will save you lots of heart-ache when the anonymous heartless folks take aim at you. Itās a past time for many. Ā
9. We're all going through something awful in our lives, that alone should be reason enough to be kind to each other.
Why be the reason someone has a worse day than theyāre already having?
Empathy over negative energy.Ā
10. "Because I like it," is good enough validation for your personal work.Ā
You don't need to justify and explain your every action. Sometimes, intangible decisions based on emotion cannot be articulated into words.
11. Be stern about your worth. If you can't do a project at a certain rate, don't be sorry about it.Ā
They'll try a million ways to haggle you, but focus on those who can afford your worth rather than mope about those that can't. Itās a part of business that the best charge a certain rate and most people cannot afford them.
12. Youāll never win against a close-minded person. Donāt waste your sanity.
13. Donāt bend your words to give in to what people want to hear.Ā
No matter how many times they ask you the same question in different ways, or how forceful they are with your words, donāt change your meaning to make someone else happy.Ā
Compromising what you actually meant to say will end up serving as a receipt for what you promised to do, even if you donāt want to do it. Thereās no faster way to burn-out.Ā
14. Leadership comes with making lots of mistakes, and being crucified for them.Ā
Know that itās a part of the process and the fallout from these mistakes paves the path to your success.Ā
The best places take the longest to get to, so start paving.Ā
And quite topical, hereās a quote regarding leadership from a character on Game of Thrones that I recently watched, which he expressed right before a moment of life and death.
"Do you know what leadership means, Lord Snow? It means that the person in charge gets second guessed by every clever little twat with a mouth. But if he starts second guessing himself, thatās the end. For him, for the clever little twats, for everyone.ā
- Ser Alliser to Jon Snow
Sean Molin sends us this example of a shot that illustrates the amazing dynamic range weāre working with these days. In this instance, itās the Nikon D750.Ā
Sony is killing it with their sensors. Personally, I think theyāre better than what Canon is producing. There have been many times where Iāve had to rescue details from a single raw file that Iāve been able to do because of the information present. Especially when shot on location, many elements can be brought back and itās very comforting to know when you canāt bracket.Ā
On many Canon files, the details were lost like Hillary Clintonās e-mails. Iāve had the same issue with landscape work, bracketing was absolutely needed to get everything.Ā
Iām excited for technology, dynamic range is one element that truly does allow me, as a retoucher, to bring out the most in an image when the need calls for it.Ā
Of course, if you light properly and account for everything, you donāt always need it. But in the times that you do, itās excellent.Ā
Adobe Brings Back Bob Ross And Gives Him An Apple Pencil And An iPad
If I were Bob Ross, Iād change my name to Bob Boss because heās the head honcho of the art world!Ā
The Boss is forever, and this re-imagination of Bob Ross in todayās world is pretty great. Adobe decided to put him in a world where an Apple Pencil is his brush, and the iPad, his canvas.Ā
They have four, not one, but four episodes for your pleasure!Ā
Great job, Adobe!Ā
Snickers Just Made An Ad About Retouchers In Sports Illustrated
Everyoneās talking about the recent Sports Illustratedās Swimsuit Issue staring Ashley Graham on the cover, and here I am excited that snickers included my demographic. People may argue overĀ āplus-sizeā models and the proud moment in time, but my attention fell to this beautiful back-cover!Ā
Snickers, youāre the real star!Ā
Itās you, who thought of us first when you saw swimsuits. It is definitely you, that considered our well being when working on beautiful campaigns by the beach. Those long hours we toil over to meet the deadlines of working on near-naked women who are the living exact opposite of our very moment. Ā
*standing ovation*
As a retoucher, we applaud you for your wonderful effort.Ā
I have more ideas, you left so much on the table, perhaps for a sequel! Get at me, Iāll give you more ideas than the calories in one of your mini chocolate logs. One that I spent my high-school eating. Oh the jokes that came with it!
This isnāt a Photoshop fail, this is a Photoshop win!Ā
Snickers, call me, weāve got a sequel ad to make!Ā
CREDITS
_________
Client: Snickers
Titles: "Retoucher" and "Wind Machine"
Agency: BBDO New York
Chief Creative Officer, Worldwide: David Lubars
Chief Creative Office, New York: Greg Hahn
Executive Creative Director: Gianfranco Arena
Executive Creative Director: Peter Kain
Senior Art Director: Florian MARQUARDT
Senior Copywriter: Rodrigo Linhares
Executive Art Producer: Betsy Jablow
Project Producer: Albert Hajduk
Print Producer: Len RappaportGlobal Account Director: Susannah Keller
Account Director: Josh Steinman
Account Manager: Nick Robbins
Planner: Alaina Crystal
Photographer: Vincent Dixon
Jeremy Cowartās Video Made Us Cry For The Best Reasons Possible
Too often, way too often, we let the opinions of others dictate our self-worth. The words of others arenāt as strong as the will of the passionate!
Oh those heart strings, youāll have them played with. This video does just that. Jeremy Cowart shows us his beginnings and shows us exactly why failure paved the path to success.
In high school, he was tested with an aptitude test, and he only scored 15 out of a 100 in visualization, observation, reasoning, and 5 in vocabulary.
How did these results pave the way for the rest of his life? Watch the video and find out.
Watch not for the story, but for the belief in what the power of a photo can do.
But even more so, this video, as impressive as the accomplishments are, is a canvas for his future plans. Yes, itās long, but youāll be hooked the moment you watch it. I canāt even imagine how long it took to put it all together.
It spans through his life, failures, accomplishments, dreams, and aspirations.
Being able to work with Jeremy Cowart, I can personally tell you that he is absolutely the most genuine person youāll meet. And I can tell you, youāll be better for watching this video.
Share the word, I think everyone should see this. And sign up at http://jeremycowart.com/ to make a difference.
A Look Into Four Photography Industry Power Couples
The photography industry is one that requires the best of everyone. We have to constantly be producing quality at the drop of a hat. Amid being so busy, a few key couples have found a way to maintain a beautiful relationship and thrive together. I wondered what life was like for these really prominent power couples of our industry. Being that I knew them, I simply asked! They happily obliged and the answers were so heart warming and equally interesting.Ā
From all over the world, here are four couples that shared a piece of their life with us.Ā
Enjoy!
(Photo by Jordan Voth)
John Schell and Kate Moore
John and Kate are both photographers based out of California, both specializing in lifestyle and the beauty of life. Knowing them is knowing life a little more.Ā
Being that you're both in the industry, how did you find each other?
Like everyone else these days, weād been friends online for about three years but never really spoke or were in much contact except for liking each otherās photos and statuses from time to time.
In September 2014, I was in New York about ready to make the drive back home to Los Angeles when I noticed that Kate had posted a Facebook status that she was just about to make almost the exact same drive for the 11th time. Having made it about eight times myself, I felt she was someone I could relate to wanted to get to know if for no other reason than to grab lunch and maybe share some stories from the road (also, Iād already been a huge fan of her work for a few years and thought itād also be a good opportunity to talk about photography, work, etc).
We met for lunch in December 2014 at a Chipotle. Sheād prefaced our meeting with a text warning me that she eats her burritos quickly and exuberantly. Needless to say, I was charmed from the start. Ten minutes into lunch she had rice in her hair and guac on her face. From that moment I was hopeless.
What is it like dating another creative?
Overall however, dating a creative is great. I think we both have an understanding of what the other goes through in regard to creative process, workflow, and the struggle of being a freelance photographer living in Los Angeles, which is perhaps the freelance photographer capital of the world.
The benefits are many; having the ability to bounce an idea off someone at 2am, having someone to push you, to inspire you, having someone who understands what itās like to go through those work-related dry spells when it seems like everyone else is getting hired but you and perhaps most important, having someone youāre close with to share in your success with as much excitement and exuberance as they share in yours and/or as they eat a burrito.
What's the hardest part about being with another creative?
Iād be lying if I said dating another creative is the easiest, best thing in the world. Not that things arenāt fantastic (they are), but whenever you put two or more creative people together in any sense, there is going to be some friction. Dating a creative is no different. As weāre both established professionals, we have our styles, our routines, and our workflows pretty much set. When the other sees something that can be worked on and/or improved, itās sometimes difficult not only to make the suggestion, but to listen objectively and take the suggestion into account as something that maybe should be added or changed. So, actually the hardest part isnāt dating another creative - itās getting out of your own way and listening to what your partner has to say.
What's the best project you've worked on together?
Oddly enough we donāt work together on projects. We both have our own look, style, and overall aesthetic each of which each attract our own, separate clients (Kate is more fashion and I am more beach lifestyle). We do however, travel together a lot. Last summer we took a month-long road trip from Los Angeles up through the Pacific Northwest into Vancouver, BC and back again. It was an incredible relationship-defining trip. Since then, weāve traveled to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and will be returning to Vancouver again in a few weeks with plans on Hawaii and Costa Rica and Panama.Ā
Overall, I think, if I had to choose something, Iād say the relationship itself is our best project. Between the three of us (Kate, Me, and our dog Olive), there is always a ton of laughter, travel, and of course way never enough photos.
Dan Moore and Sedona Turbeville
Dan and Sedona make up the duo that is Flashpoint Collective, a commercial photography studio based in Oakland, CA, shooting food, product, and portraits.
http://www.flashpointcollective.com/about/
How long have you been together? Being that you're both in the industry, how did you find each other? Ā
We met each other about five years ago through a mutual friend, and have been together since last year. We initially started working together via Skype and instant messaging before Danās relocation back to the West Coast ā having daily conversations about workflows, business practices, and bouncing ideas off of each other. Iāve even digital teched a few of his shoots from a few thousand miles away via Skype and Capture One.
What is it like dating another creative?
Itās definitely a nice feeling having a partner who is in the same industry. Thereās never a second thought if one of us wants to pull over on a drive and climb down a hill for a shot or do something strange to get the right image. After Dan moved back out to California and we shot together more, we found out that we vibe incredibly well on shoots and can usually tell what the other person needs before they even say it. Plus, I have someone who laughs at my really terrible photo-dad jokes.
What's the hardest part about being with another creative? Ā
Sometimes we can come from two different creative approaches on projects, (I am notoriously stubborn) but with some processing and good critique we usually end up making something awesome happen.
What's the best project you've worked on together? Ā
We were working on a birthday cake shoot this summer, and I jokingly brought up the idea of someone having a beard made out of frosting. We decided to roll with it, and the next day shot Danās face covered in pink frosting and sprinkles. Itās one of my favorite portraits to date, and I think itās a good example of how we collaborate together. (Link)
Benjamin Von Wong andĀ Anna Tenne
Anna is a photographer that specializes in weddings and portraits. Benjamin is a photographer that pushes the envolope with his concept work. She lives in Australia and heās in the US, and they travel the world on various adventures!
How long have you been together? Being that you're both in the industry, how did you find each other?
Yesterday was our 1yr anniversary. (Feb 13th)
Sadly I hate to admit I emailed him - let's avoid the term "fan girl". Being a photographer too, my friends kept tagging me on his fb posts but I never thought anything of it... until seeing his post about delivering himself in a box to surprise a sick fan on the otherwise of the world. That's when I knew he was as crazy as me so I thought I'd reach out.Ā
We first met a few months later when he invited himself along on one of my projects - I was traveling Asia photographing a quadruple amputee that gets around on a skateboard, so he met up with us in Cambodia. So let's just say I lured him in with a man with no limbs.
What is it like dating another creative? I'm curious to hear about your unique dynamic.
The fact we both have similar goals is definitely a bonus - not just in terms of photography but more importantly because we both want to use it to make a difference in the world.
Obviously it's handy having someone to bounce ideas off and help you grow too, but for us in particular aside from both being photographers, we see things very differently and come from completely opposite backgrounds - which means we balance each other out and offer completely different viewpoints - both in our industry but in our personal life.
The best thing though, because of our profession we both have a lot of flexibility (ie being our own boss), which makes living on opposite ends of the globe easier to plan adventures and work on things together.
What's the hardest part about being with another creative?
Snapchat. He's just discovered it and I feel like he loves it more than me. I'm only half joking - being a creative there's no set work hours, no clear division between work and play. Which in one way is totally awesome but at the same time there's hardly an opportunity to just switch off. There's always emails to answer, calls to make, blogs to write, shoots to plan, people to meet, snaps to update, it's sometimes hard to keep a balance. He won't complain though, he loves being productive.
What's the best project you've worked on together?
My personal favourite was storm chasing through the US. We brainstormed the idea together and I did what I could behind the scenes to help Ben pull off some kick-ass shots to raise a bit of love and awareness for the environment around us.
David Talley and Kiara Rose
Kiara and David are both photographers. He make conceptual art, and works with companies and brands worldwide to make their products and causes known. He also teaches photography. Kiara shoots portraiture, owns a wedding business, and a Lightroom preset business, called The Colour Collection. āWeboth spend way too much time on two things: taking photos in nature and drinking coffee in coffee shops.ā
How long have you been together? Being that you're both in the industry, how did you find each other?
Almost 9 months! So crazy. Kiara and I have actually know each other for almost 5 years, and we were friends for 4 years before we started dating. We met online through Flickr.com during our respective "365" projects and became mutual admirers of each other's work. Over the course of a few years, we became close friends - Kiara writing me nearly 15 letters from Australia... and me returning them.... um, twice. I think. Haha! When the time was right, after a bunch of ups and downs and other relationships, we gave "us" a go - Kiara flew out to the States last May, and the rest is history.
What is it like dating another creative? I'm curious to hear about your unique dynamic.
Hahaha. It's actually the best thing in the world. I'm a huge idea guy, so Kiara is able to fill in the gaps and details and brings me back to Earth when my ideas go crazy. I'm able to help her with other parts of her approach to art on a more idea-based level. We both completely understand each other's vision - which is the coolest thing. We hardly need to direct each other when we model for one another, and we constantly get to encourage each other to pursue our dreams. We also get a HUGE level of involvement with each other's businesses, which is fun. I like telling her my ideas and seeing what she thinks, and vice versa. It's also awesome having a super hot girlfriend to always shoot photos of..... ;)Ā
What's the hardest part about being with another creative?
I'd say there's 2 super difficult things. The first, more obvious - is that Kiara lives in Australia. When we're not together, it sucks. A ton. We don't get to let our creativity flow and our muse is missing. The other hard thing is trying not to step on each other's toes, over shadow, or belittle each other's ideas by putting too much of our own approach behind it. I can tell Kiara some crazy idea but get down because a detail might be off - and it usually is, but I'm stubborn. Or I might knock her down with a big-vision approach when she wants to focus on the relationship being built, and I don't fully get it. It's an operational thing. We're figuring it out, but it's good and healthy conflict. Dating a creative only becomes difficult when you forget to respect each other's ideas.
What's the best project you've worked on together?
We did 2 workshops in Australia last Autumn, in Melb and Sydney. It was an absolute blast - Kiara killed it with organization and I brought the structure. We tag-teamed teaching and the course just went so smoothly between the two of us. We're both so passionate about inspiring others that teaching together comes more naturally to us, and we're able to flow off of each other's lectures. Those workshops helped so many of our students get inspired. It was awesome.
The Story Of Finding The One: When Love At First Sight Actually Happens
Many of you reading this already know a little about me and my relationship with Bella Kotak (link), but many people donāt know how it came to be. For a vast number of you, you know that I am a retoucher in the world of photography and Iāve had a long journey to be where I am, but this success pales in comparison to success Iāve found in love. With all the questions Iāve been asked about how we met, I felt like I would share it open-heartedly to those who care to share this journey with me from the beginnings. Ā
We all go through life feeling like weāve wanted to find that person who makes us whole and gives us a reason to believe love exists. The stuff movies are made of! Finding love for me didnāt come out of hope or desire, it came out of pure magic and dumb luck. Just like Bella, she was the magic that made me believe the love that you hear about existed.
It was the 16th of March, 2013 and I was in London, about to teach a retouching workshop on a dreary and uneventful morning. The clouds, so gray, that they painted quite an uninspiring backdrop for the day to come. I remember missing out on WPPI, where later I learned I had won retoucher of the year! That alone was a pinnacle of what I worked so hard for. I did wonder why I missed out on it, and the chance to meet the likes of Kirsty Mitchell, Renne Robyn, Ben Von Wong, and Zemotion, who all heard my name being called out on the same stage.
As we were setting up the room, a burst of sunshine walked in that room, 15 minutes earlier than start time no less. Her short stature was not a compromise to her vivacious personality! Her strut as she walked in meant business. The bright eyed girl introduced herself with so much joy, āHi, Iām Bella, nice to meet you! Pratik, is it?ā
I felt an immediate surge, an unexpected connection. Well, it was awkward to say the least, and highly inappropriate to have a crush on your student! But something told me it wasnāt just a crush, because it was a relentless emotion, one that never escaped me till this day, till now, writing to you and as youāre reading this.
She sat down and my composure tumbled. I was not myself, totally shy and captivated. My curiosity spiked in what made her so endearing to me and why to this level? The rest of the day continued and went wonderfully. We had a great class and I told myself that if I avoided her, the feelings would just go away.
The day ended and we all had a good time, many of us still very good friends till this day! As we wrapped up the session, she asked if I could look over her work and sat next to me. I could barely compose myself as she opened her book. I was starstruck! The beautiful artistry of what she produced made it all worse. With artists, we speak to each other through the visual form. Photographs for us tell a story only other creatives can read. I heard what her pieces spoke I wanted to know more. There was something really deep about her from how she communicates visually. Her sheer modesty and not knowing how big she was going to be (I was right by the way!) intrigued me.
We all went to dinner, and naturally I sat far away from her. I couldnāt afford to feel anything. After all, she lives in England and I am in Houston. It was my first year traveling abroad for workshops, I couldnāt afford to be involved in matters of love across an ocean too!
I spent the next day touring London. I felt my feet walk, but my mind took a stroll with thoughts of her. Everything was a blur. Big Ben? London Bridge? Yeah, whatever. Bella though, why canāt I stop thinking about her. I was in the London Eye alone figuring out what to do. I could sense fear overcame me. My heart quickened and I was deeply saddened. A part of me knew I couldnāt just go back home without making her mine.
The night before, I admit, I looked her up on Facebook and read interviews she had done. Her work said so much. I found out that we have so many commonalities in our upbringing, where we were born, and even down to the movies, tastes, and what culture we grew up in. Everything was purrrfect, and yes, she loved cats and puns too! And of course, Photoshop.
But would we connect? Would she want to? I still didnāt even know if she was single. But for some reason, that feeling I had was so intense in the moment that I met her, I had felt nothing like it before. I couldnāt help but feel she was the one. It was literally love at first sight!
I flew back home the next day, and decided I would test the waters by sending her a simple message to get to know her. I gave thanks to her for coming and asked her a simple question. She responded and over the course of the next few weeks, we became pen pals in a sense. We talked about movies, food, photography, religion, traveling, and so much more. It became an exchange of a deeply wonderful conversation over the course of a few months. I still didnāt say a word. I wanted her to figure out that there really was something there. Initially I got in touch to prove to myself that this was just a crush and there was nothing substantial, but there was and it was too late for me.
Eventually, we became so close and she slowly figured out what was happening. We started skyping and she began sharing her world with me in detail. Feelings started to flourish and eventually I let it slip that I loved her. It made no sense, considering I hadnāt met her yet, but she told me she had feelings as well. We then had to face the reality that an ocean still separated us. It had been 9 months now and we decided that we had to meet in person to see if this had substance in real life. I was so relieved to get to the point where I finally admitted my feelings to her and she felt the same way now!
We booked our tickets for February, 2014 for ten days in New York. It would span right into Valentineās Day. As the days approached, we couldnāt believe what was happening. She was working as an architect during the day at the time and she got time off to come see me. I couldnāt believe the girl that I was so enamored over was going to see me. My heart still goes wild at the thought to this day.
The day arrived and I remember landing earlier in LaGuardia just to rush over to JFK to pick her up. I was a mess when I saw her, totally unsure about how to compose myself. I poured words out of my mouth just to fill the time in the moments after meeting her again. I pretended like it was all cool, but it wasnāt. We took a cab ride in to the city where we stayed. I still remember that cab ride and the exact way the light touched her face. I mean, I am a photographer at heart!
It was absolutely freezing at that time of the year, and so we spent most of the time going on pizza dates all over Brooklyn and NY together since it was our favorite food. I still remember our first pizza date, looking at her and just feeling so lucky that a woman who has everything in common with me and has everything I ever wanted took a chance to be with me. It was what everyone dreams about. Her accent wasnāt so bad either!
The ten days flew by and our dear friends Lara Jade and Zhang Jingna (Zemotion) took time out to meet with us, along with many others. I had to give Lara thanks, it was actually because of her that Bella came into my life. Lara had posted a flyer of my workshop and that is how she found out about me.
The ten days had whizzed by and memories entwined in each other as I look back. From the stroll into the MET where she would tell me fascinating stories of art and history and how I would just think to myself how beautiful this moment is; to the sight of her being so captivated by the smallest of details and color and being lost in her own world as I looked on. Even being in the metro in the dirtiest of cars, she would hold on to my jacket as we stood up with my arm around the pole.
Fortunately, the next month I had a workshop in Italy. I asked her to come with me and hop over from the UK. Our second date was in Rome, the most beautiful city. That made two of the best pizza cities in the world! We spent our free days roaming around Rome (haha) and getting lost in gelato and pizza places. Through the busy streets, finding our way to places like Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. It was quite a romantic trip.
My next trip after was to see her in Oxford in May, followed by a week in London exploring beautiful sights, museums, and more galleries and restaurants.
I knew she was the one for me.Ā
She came to Texas to see me that Summer and we took a road trip through Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
We ended that year in beautiful Bali for two whole weeks with a bunch of other creatives at a retreat she organized (photos here). As time passed, we visited other wonderful places as well.
Itās been just a mere two years now and weāve traveled the world together. Sheās my best friend, the woman of my dreams, my soul mate, and someone who understands me through and through. We hardly ever fight and even though we have our differences, weāre both open minded enough to understand them. Weāve had our fair share of rough times and near breakups, but itās made us realize life wouldnāt be the same and we would really regret not being with each other. The distance isnāt as bad when you have someone who supports you, communicates with you, and understands you on an emotional level.
My favorite part out of everything, is seeing her grow and being able to support her. Not only is this great as a relationship, but on a professional level our worlds are interlocked. Just this past month, she had her first gallery showing in New York, where she had hundreds of people stop by to see her work being showcased. Sheās come a long way from the woman who I first met.
It was beautiful to meet in the same city at the same time as we first met to celebrate her growth.
Even being able to assist her with support, working on her images, and being on shoots to give her a second opinion makes it far more special.
Not to mention the fact that she makes a pretty amazing model!
And along the way, weāve met some really wonderful people together! Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey!
Now you know the story about the woman that changed my world! And yes, true love can happen when you least expect it...
Why I Rotate Images In Photoshop Explained By One GIF
How does this drawing style translate to retouching?Ā
As you may have seen from my tutorials on YouTube or Creative Live, youāll notice that I rotate my canvas a lot (the R key for those wondering). With skin, thereās a lot of angles that you need to work in. When Iām stroking up or down (haha), I need to have the image at a precise angle to get the more precise stroke.Ā
Imagine doing a pull curve going the other way, it would be really awkward for the hand itself.Ā
Sometimes, when working on the right side of the body, it works better for me to rotate the image 180 degrees so I can work at the best angle for the area.Ā
So if you find that youāre straining your wrist, rotating the canvas will help. This is for dodging and burning, the clone brush, or whatever else.Ā
Nuit Blanche Is One Of My Favorite Short Films Ever
Nuit Blanche explores a fleeting moment between two strangers, revealing their brief connection in a hyper real fantasy.Ā
I saw this video a while ago and it has never left my mind. I went searching for it and couldnāt find what it was called, till now. The music, the progression, and the emotion makes it beautiful.
This movie is only 5 minutes long and itās highly captivating. The best part of it is theĀ āmaking ofā video as well.Ā
Making of:Ā
stormborns
vaporwave
turnnoffyourmind
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
izzy806
germansingergirl