Hello, long time no see...

Well... Hello, its been a while. 

Lets catch up, 

Most will know, that my day job is working in the oil and gas industry.

Since January i have been involved with the decommissioning of a north sea oil and gas rig, called the BP Miller. 

The picture taking had to take a back seat. The next post will explain in more detail what the project entails. 

But stick around, i have uploaded lots of content which will be coming out on a weekly basis, a new post every Sunday. 

So please subscribe, and follow the story and images of life offshore in the oil and gas industry on a decommissioning project. 

Thanks

Lee

Glyn Dewis Workshop

Well the other week i attended my first studio workshop ran by a Glyn Dewis. (UK's version of the photoshop guys) and i was highly impressed.

It was a half day workshop titled

"a workshop full of character"

and the aim is to give you the tools needed to try and create a fun image like the one above. Glyn sets up the lighting but gives you pretty much a free Raine to move the model where you want to in the light, and to pose him on how you see fit.

Once you are happy and have the image that you are after, you all then go through some photoshop techniques on how to create something different. Glyn shows you how to improve an image up to a nice respectable standard... and then the fun starts and you are taught how to push things and come up with great concepts and the fun really begins...

The day is broken up as follows-

• RAW Conversions

• Cleaning up your images (Dust spots etc…)

• Removing Blemishes

• Eyes (Brightening, add contrast, colour and sharpening)

• Creating Texture/Adding Details

• Dodging and Burning

• Cut Outs (Getting the most out of Photoshop CS5 Refine Edge Command + Extracting using Channels for those using earlier versions of Photoshop)

• Adding in the Background

• Creating ‘The Look’

• Special Effects and lots more

My finished image, I can not take the credit for the lighting on Dave Clayton, who was a fantastic model. Or the style he was dressed. But i did really enjoy finding the stock images and coming up with a theme to produce the finished result.

Think Tank Retrospective 30.

I have recently purchased the ThinkTank Retrospective 30 shoulder camera bag and im very impressed.

So i thought that i would share my thoughts.

As any photographer will tell you once you have a camera bag the buying will never stop.

I have numerous bags now... obviously for different jobs and not for collectomaniac reasons 

With the recent purchase of a couple of larger zoom lenses, i was after a larger shoulder bag.

Im a BIG fan of Think Tank, their products are bomb proof and look great.

I am a big fan of bags that do not shout out, that this is a camera bag full of expensive kit, and so the subtle styling of the Retrospective range is right up my street. There isn't even a large Think Tank label.

This is a nice feature, The large opening flap is velcro fastened. There is an option to cover the velcro to silence you opening the bag. This will be great at weddings and other events where you are trying to remain inconspicuous. 

Large space, with moveable inserts allowing you to customise for your equipment. 

Stylish, inconspicuous design.

Large enough even for your 70-200mm lens, The Retrospective 30 can fit some telephoto zoom lenses attached to a DSLR, facing sideways in the bag..

The Retrospective series is comprised of four shoulder bags and two lens changer bags.  Created for the professional photographer that wants to blend in with the crowd and remain inconspicuous in any situation.  Our product designers have blended the look and feel of "old-school" camera bags and infused it with "new-school" features and technology for the digital imaging age.  

Top Features:

• Minimalist outer appearance conceals expensive photo equipment
• Carries a pro size DSLR with standard zoom lens attached
• Wider size to fit a 70-200 f2.8 attached to DSLR facing sideways
• Accommodates 2-4 lenses in main compartment with 2 DSLR bodies in front pockets
• Two front pockets to carry pro size DSLRs (bodies only)
• Organizer pocket built into main compartment for pens, note pad, batteries, etc.
• Choice of two different colors, black or pinestone, to suit the situation
• Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers” on the front flap eliminate noise while opening the bag
• Soft, adjustable shoulder strap with cushioned non-slip pad
• Clear business card holder under front flap
• Removable short carrying handle for convenience
• Seam-sealed rain cover included for protection against the elements

Gear Profile:

• 1 pro size DSLR with standard zoom lens attached and 1 - 3 additional lenses, including a 70-200 f2.8
• 2 pro size DSLRs (bodies only) in front pockets and 2 - 4 lenses in main compartment, including a 70-200 f2.8
• 1 pro size DSLR with 70-200 f2.8 attached, facing sideways and 1-2 additional lenses.

Photographer Profile:

• Photojournalists and travel photographers

Technical Specifications:

• ID:  15” W x  9.5” H x 6” D (38 x 24 x 15.2 cm)*
• *bag softness and flexibility allows expansion to carry a pro size DSLR with lens attached, facing down
• OD:  16” W x 10.5” H x 7” D (40.6 x 26.7 x 17.8 cm)
• Weight:  3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
• Lifetime Warranty

Think Tank Retrospective 30 Pinestone Shoulder Bag

Think Tank

Buy on Amazon

Think Tank Retrospective 30 Black Shoulder Bag

Think Tank

Buy on Amazon