JAMES HODGINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Part of my presentation in Chicago was on the Elements Of A Competition Print where I discussed different aspects of planning, capturing and creating a Competition Print.  It went over very well with many many emails asking me to provide MORE information.  I thought every once in awhile I would post some of my images and describe what I was looking for when creating it.  As most of you know I do enter a lot of competitions as this is not only a personal goal but it is also for my photographic growth.  The more I look at my images a competition worthy the better product I can give to our clients so I strive to make every one of my images a “competition image”.

“Sarah By The Sea” was just awarded “Merit” at this past Professional Photographers Of  Canada Image Competition.  I captured this last April in Jamaica off resort on location.  The sun was high in the sky and strong with a reading of F22.  I knew I needed to get some addition lighting as the sun was behind Sarah throwing her in shadow.   Using 2 off camera flash’s and setting my output on stop stronger than the sun would give me the dramatic lighting I desired.  Of course, I had to expose for the flashes and not the sun.

I wanted to use the leading lines of the clouds and the horizon to bring your attention to Sarah.  Using the dress to shield the flash I had behind her also added to those leading lines bringing your attention into the bride.  Obtaining a correct exposure and white balance is crucial in ANY image (put some thought into this and just don’t go ahead snapping image and “fixing” them in Photoshop later)

Image out of camera

I then darkened down the sky in various places as I did not want the sun to compete with my brides attention.  Using more of a “panoramic” format with a dark matting to accentuate the leading lines finished off the image.

Here is my crude lighting diagram

Tracy was another one of our beautiful ladies who took advantage of our Pin-Up Day.  When this woman smiles, the whole room lights up.

Here are a few more images from a recent maternity.  This is a very delicate time in a woman’s life and the key to capturing beautiful maternity images is trust.  Your client HAS to feel comfortable.  Not only in front of the camera, but in front of you as well.  Joce and I have made this a huge priority in our studio, to take the time to get to know our clients, figure out exactly what they want as far as final images and product, and learn how they react to being in front of the camera.  I love photographing this stage in a woman’s life.  It is so elegant, beautiful, and rewarding (when you see the expressions on their faces when you show them the images).  For you expecting mothers out there, don’t be afraid to call our studio and talk to Joce about our maternity sessions.  We have a huge variety of products that you might not have thought about that can be beautifully displayed in your home.  The second image below will be a 30 inch wall canvas in our studio.

Mark (owner of Franks Delicatessen, the first Delicatessen in Sudbury) and I will be working on creating some unique artwork for his establishment.  We have some cool ideas for the images and I will be acquiring the talents of my good friend Jason Landry to add some finishing touches to the posters.  Production of this project will be starting next month and it will take a few months after that for completion, but I will be posting sneak peaks here and there of the shoots and images.  Thanks again Mark for this opportunity. It’s always a pleasure to work with you and the rest of your Family! (not to mention eating in all your restaurants. )