Chained to the computer today!

This time of year I always have a ton of retouching to do,  and spent most of the day in front of the computer making my clients and myself look even more fabulous.   I love digital photography and all the possibilities of creating beautiful portraits. But I must say it’s not nice to people’s skin.  It is incredibly sharp and show’s every detail!  I swear the pixels are like x-ray beams and laser right through any make up that is put on!

I thought I would share some before, after and overdone  portrait retouching techniques in Photo shop.   This is one of my favorite portraits from yesterday.  Anyone can take a photo with today’s camera’s.  A professional photographer will spend the time putting in that little extra effort to make you look fabulous!

What do you think?  Can you see the difference?  Is the “too much” too much?

Retouching Techniques

 

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Under the Black Light

It really was an amazing day today.  This morning I was at a local aerospace company photographing parts under black light.  Years ago I was written up in a article about my black light techniques, this was  in the good old film days.  The theory still is the same with digital  however  the prints need to be one to one after printed, and this takes a long time in Photoshop      I’m always amazed at how “stuff” looks under this kind of light.   Even your freshly cleaned clothes look like they could use a washing from the lint.

I then went into my studio for my business portrait.  Every two years I force myself to have one taken. Mainly for my web site, and Facebook    I never want to be the shoe maker whose kids have no shoes!  I believe even as adults we change every few years and should be photographed.   This year my good friend and  little sister Laurel Nash had the challenge.  After all she didn’t have that much to work with.   Laurel is an aspiring photographer who I’ve helped over the years.  You can check out some of her work at http://www.laurelnashphotography.com  I first meet Laurel when she was 7  and have been her “big sister” ever since.  It’s been just over 30 years!  Hard to believe we have known each other that long.   Laurel did an amazing job photographing me,  and I will post a few of my favorites in the coming days….

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Driving North

I’m almost finished with a group of doctors I’ve been photographing for a publication. I had to drive to Selkirk to capture the “small town” doctor this time. Dr. Margaret Speer was very gracious when having her photo taken.  I got the impression she didn’t exactly enjoy having her photo taken and was glad when it was over.  After the shoot I stopped into a friends home and she had the  most amazing frost on her windows…I couldn’t resist taking a few photos!

Frost on Window with sun setting in the background

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Winnipeg’s Santa Clause Parade.

Nov 17 was Winnipeg’s 103rd Santa Clause Parade.  There was a few activities in and around downtown.  Camerata Nova performed inside the hydro building.  Manitoba Hydro gave out hot chocolate and sugar cookies for everyone!  It was a honor to meet the grand master Desiree Scott, who won bronze in the 2012 Olympics on the women’s soccer team! I must say her metal was heavy! I rubbed it for good luck 🙂  

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 Here are a few of my favorites

 

 

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Memorial Square Dancers

Memorial Square Dancers.

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Memorial Square Dancers

Manitoba Mining & Minerals Convention is being held in Winnipeg, the welcoming reception showcased some amazing aboriginal dancers.  They call themselves  “Sagkeeng Elders of the past Memorial Square Dancers”

Sagkeeng Elders of the past Memorial Square Dancers

   They literally tap danced the taps right off their shoes tonight!

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Scotia Bank You Rock Tour!

Great Business gives back to their employees.  The business of banking is big business,  and Scotia bank really know’s how to to say thanks. Honoring the best of the best for Shared Services Group  of Scotia bank.  In 2012 the SSG launched a new top team program with clearly defined categories that are aligned to the Bank’s strategic priorities.

This fun evening was held at the Raddisson Hotel in Downtown Winnipeg. The “rock” theme included a photo booth.   Guests dressed up with  funky glasses and hats blow up instruments, and of course feather boas!    The  fabulous dinner had an opening act of spinach salad with blueberries & roasted almonds.  The headliner was breast of chicken with a mushroom Dijon and white wine sauce served with a grilled portobello mushroom, roasted baby potatoes and vegetables.   For the Encore there was lemon Meringue Martini. Can you say YUMMY!!! 

I sat with the organizer of the event from Toronto and she claims that Winnipeg has the “friendliest” people in all of Canada!!!

It was a fabulous evening, and I must say the folks who work at Scotia bank really do know how to ROCK!  

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Doctors Orders!

Photographing a Doctor is sure different than going to see one.  They actually are on time for their appointments!   I had the pleasure of meeting the local Dr.   in Ste. Anne Manitoba.   One of a few I’m photographing for a magazine.

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Hello world!

Welcome to  my very first blog!  I’ve been taking photographs since I can remember.  Developed my first b/w print when I was 13 years old.  I remember the little hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I was hooked!   I started my business Photography by Michele in 1990, while working as a photographer with Bristol Aerospace and have been loving my career ever since.

I’m reinventing my business with a new web site, logo and blog!  It’s a lot to do, but I’m up for the challenge and really need to jump on this social media band wagon.  The new logo designed is in the works by the fabulous June bug designs.  I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.

The sad thing about starting a new blog is I’ve already had an amazing career and can’t imagine what the future will bring.  I really feel like I’ve “peaked” as I’ve been at this a while.   Over the years I’ve shot for many magazines, some are no longer being published which is kind of sad.  Winnipeg Homes and Life Styles and Manitoba Business Magazine are two which have long closed it’s door on the publishing world. I was lucky enough to have the cover shot on both as their last issues.    Winnipeg Women, Ciao, Where Winnipeg,  and Women Business Owners of Manitoba  are still printing and magazines that I’ve worked for in the past. I’ve even had a cover on Military Technology!  Over the years there have been many business, weddings, families, children, and newborn portraits.  Shooting for the provincial government I’ve covered my share of news events, ceremonies, and dignitaries coming to our great city of Winnipeg. The Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Queen of England twice!

Starting a blog after all these accomplishments is a little scary as I hope I have something to peak your interest, who know’s maybe the best is yet to come 🙂

Michele

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