cheshire

The Importance of Verticals in Interior Photography

Today, I want to delve further into the fascinating world of interior photography. Specifically, l want to talk about the significant role that vertical lines play in capturing stunning room shots. It has become abundantly clear to me that paying attention to verticals is essential for maintaining a professional and polished look in my interior photographs.

I must acknowledge that there are instances where creatively converging verticals can be intentionally used to capture unique perspectives, such as when we deliberately look down at certain features. These shots can inject a sense of dynamism in compositions, adding interest and depth. However, when it comes to overall room shots, it's crucial that we ensure the verticals appear genuinely vertical.

I have come across numerous occasions, whether reviewing properties at estate agents or browsing through real estate listings, where vertical lines in interior photographs were noticeably off. Not only does this detract from the overall aesthetics of the room, but it also imparts an unprofessional and sloppy impression, leaving potential viewers less inclined to take the property seriously.

To illustrate this point, I would like to share a before and after shots that I have encountered along the way. By rectifying the verticals in these room compositions, you can witness firsthand the transformative power it has on the overall appeal of the photograph. It's astonishing to see how a simple adjustment can elevate an image from being mediocre to a stunning representation of the space.

When verticals are not aligned correctly, it can create a distorted and skewed perspective. Walls and architectural elements may appear crooked, and the overall balance and symmetry of the room might be thrown off. This can be especially problematic when showcasing interior design elements or architectural features that rely on clean lines and balanced compositions for visual impact.

So, how can we ensure our photographs accurately represent the space we are capturing? Firstly, it's essential to align ourselves with the geometric features of the room. Pay attention to vertical lines, such as walls, door frames, and windows, using them as visual guides to ensure they are upright and parallel in your frame. Utilize the gridlines on your camera or editing software to assist you in this process.

Remember, the ultimate goal of interior photography is to accurately showcase the space and allow viewers to envision themselves within it. By paying attention to verticals, we elevate the professionalism of our work, encouraging an emotional connection between the viewer and the space. Creating a polished, visually pleasing representation of a room will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, whether it's for real estate purposes or as a creative endeavor.

#interiors #verticals

Colour Correct With Flash

I absolutely love before and after photos!

They always showcase the incredible transformation that can be achieved with the right techniques. Here’s a before and after photograph I took using only ambient light, the before images, and I noticed some issues with the colours. The paint work near the ceiling had a color cast that was coming from outside and reflecting inside, resulting in an unpleasant effect. Additionally, the grey kitchen had a yellow cast, making the overall image appear muddy and not colour correct.

I took another photo with a different approach this time using flash. By bouncing the flash off the ceiling, I was able to saturate the room with white light, ensuring consistent colours throughout the image. The grey tones were beautifully corrected, and the color cast from the paintwork was now illuminated, offering a much more visually appealing result.

I know some might wonder why I choose to use flash in situations like this. It's simply because using flash helps me correct colours and bring an evenness to the rooms. I've found that other techniques like HDR, which rely on available light, or even the use of those fancy new cameras that produce floor plans, etc., couldn't quite achieve the same results without the use of flash.

I must say, the difference between the two images can be seen. It's amazing what a difference lighting can make in capturing the true essence and colours of a space.

If you’re in need interior and exterior photography please do get in touch either by email ray@raymondjonesimages.com or call 078377 888 74

AI as the New Art Form

With the rise of AI and its abilities to replicate photography, painters might experience a similar mixture of awe, challenge, and uncertainty that they did with the emergence of photography. Just as painters once grappled with their work being less sought after due to the ease and accuracy of capturing scenes through photography, AI's ability to replicate photographic elements may present a new set of challenges.

While AI technology can certainly mimic the process of photography, there will likely always be a certain intangible element that it struggles to replicate. Emotions, subjective interpretations, and the unique perspectives of human photographers may be difficult for AI to capture fully. Just as painters turned to surrealism, abstraction, and other unconventional styles to create worlds that photography couldn't mimic, photographers may find new ways to distinguish their work from AI-generated images.

Photographers may explore artistic styles and techniques that go beyond the realm of pure representation. They might choose to focus more on emotional storytelling, capturing fleeting moments, or experimenting with alternative processes and manipulations. The human touch and the ability to infuse personal experiences and interpretations into their work may become even more valued as a counterpoint to the perfection and predictability of AI-generated images.

Furthermore, photographers might also embrace the challenge of pushing the boundaries of what is considered traditionally "photographic." They could explore the fusion of various mediums, incorporating painting, sculpture, or other artistic forms to create hybrid works that defy categorization. By blurring the line between photography and other art forms, photographers can continue to create unique and distinct visual experiences that AI struggles to reproduce.

While the exact nature of this new style of photography that AI cannot replicate remains to be seen, one thing is certain – human creativity and ingenuity will find ways to adapt and evolve. Just as painters found their place in the art world by exploring uncharted territories, photographers will likely find their own niche by pushing the limits of what photography can be, offering a perspective that only humans can provide.

Exploring Threads: Personalising My Social Media Experience

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms, I recently stumbled upon Threads, a platform that instantly reminded me of the early days of Twitter. With a simple layout and a refreshing absence of the overwhelming focus on likes seen on Instagram, Threads offers a promising avenue for personalising my social media feed. As I embark on this new journey, I anticipate a myriad of changes in the coming weeks and months. In this blog post, I aim to share my initial impressions and aspirations for utilising Threads as a means to foster a more personal connection with my online community.

As a commercial photographer on Instagram, I have always felt the need for a more personal and intimate online experience. While my business thrives on showcasing my niche photography, Threads presents an opportunity to share snippets of my personal life and connect with others on a deeper level. I am excited about the prospect of revealing more about myself beyond the confines of my professional portfolio. By infusing my feed with personal anecdotes, thoughts, and musings, I hope to forge meaningful connections and engage in conversations that go beyond the surface level.

One aspect I appreciate about Threads is its departure from the idea of duplicating my Instagram posts. Instead of merely copying and pasting the same content, I view Threads as a platform to curate a distinct narrative, separate from my commercial endeavors. This separation allows me to maintain a clear distinction between my professional persona on Instagram and the more personal experiences I share on Threads. By offering unique content, I can cultivate a loyal following and attract individuals who are genuinely interested in the authentic moments of my life.

One of the downsides I have encountered on platforms like Twitter is the prevalence of negative and toxic conversations. The "pleasure vibe" I sense on Threads gives me hope that this platform will foster a more positive and uplifting community. I believe that by focusing on personal connections and shared experiences, Threads can encourage meaningful dialogues and inspire genuine interactions. I eagerly anticipate an environment where I can engage with others in a respectful and enriching manner, free from the negativity that sometimes plagues other social media platforms.

In these early days of exploring Threads, I find myself drawn to its simplicity and potential for personalisation. By leveraging this platform, I aim to create a more intimate social media experience that diverges from my commercial endeavors on Instagram. Threads holds the promise of connecting me with like-minded individuals and fostering meaningful conversations. As the platform evolves, I am eager to adapt, learn, and continue cultivating a positive and personal online presence. Together, we can shape a vibrant community centered around authenticity and shared experiences.

Commercial Food/Business Photography in North Wales - Brockley Bean Cafe

At last time to blog about my commercial and wedding photography!

I've been helping Jess Daniels, owner at Brockley Bean Cafe promote her business in Wrexham, North Wales with great success.

I returned their earlier this week. "I'm a lover of food and eating well, with years of experience in health & fitness. Then in the '90s I spent my college days catering and working in restaurants.

Now 22 years on, I have finally achieved my dream of helping people feel good about the food they eat, with my very own Cafe! So here I am today, here to give you some food hope, ready to help you with your own journey and most of all eat some Yummy FOOD!!

Jess" ​

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North Wales Photographer: Ian & Kelly at Hinderton Hall

My aim is to capture the feeling of the moment and of the whole day.  To hold a moment and preserve it.  To blend in and not influence the day whatsoever.  To capture the love.

I must admit that I was a little concerned when I woke up on this morning of Ian and Kellys wedding to see fine drizzle in the air.  I just hoped it wouldn't turn into anything more serious.  It didn't and the day seemed to open like a flower from sleep.

Hindertal Hall was the perfect venue for a wedding.  A private estate with a number of properties.  Kelly and bridesmaids prepared for the day at the gate house before moving on to finish preparations in the grand main house.

The photographs tell the story of this beautiful day.....

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That really was one special day.

So pleased to hear the news that Ian and Kelly are having a baby.  The story continues.

Ray xxx