Breaking Down The Digital Darkroom

Description

Before I became a professional photographer I was a professional printer in Los Angeles.

I printed for the likes of Helmut Newton, David LaChapelle, Ellen Von Unwerth and many others famous photographers.

Working for so many years in the darkroom on an artistic and professional level I learned the skills of how to make an image look its absolute best.

I now use these darkroom skills in the digital world. The techniques and processes that I learned then I now apply to my images.

Although the technology has changed, the thought process and mindset of processing your images artistically remains the same.

I like to approach processing each image on an individual basis. This helps me discover and bring out it’s best qualities.

I use processing to play with images, to have fun with them, like an artist with a paintbrush, using my knowledge of colour, to make them into the best they can be.

Sometimes it’s just a tasteful amount of contrast and balancing. And sometimes I want to take an image a lot further – maybe because it’s a specific subject matter or a feeling I get from it.

I feel that often articles about image processing are riddled with ideas about formulas and essential steps. But for me, this totally goes against everything I love about photography.

Presets can be helpful, but are never more than a starting point. They are a one size fits all formula. You can’t get the very best result with a formula.

Start thinking of your photos as individuals that need special attention.

One thing I see so many people struggling with in their photography, is how to get the very best out of their image, after they have taken that shot.

I see many photographers working hard capturing their images, but then spend very little time processing them.

They have processed their images, but don’t dive deep into the image’s potential

Most significantly – I have found that photographers don’t spend enough time just looking at their images.

To really understand your photography, you have to spend time evaluating images first and then, and only then, move to processing.

Capturing your image is only the first step in photography. The next step is processing, and it takes just as much care, attention, love and inspiration as the shooting.

One of reasons that you may really like my photography is the work I put in, and the approach I take, in processing.

Unlike good editing, processing can be a very emotional endeavour. You can use your imagination and emotion to make choices to bring out it’s best qualities.

This is where I would like to help – to give you the skills and the confidence to create in the way that I do – with an artistic mindset and a creative eye.

My new live online processing course is focused on taking an artist-led approach to processing.

There are no presets or formulas here.

The course is about teaching you to look at processing your images creatively with a personal, individual approach.

Processing is fun and is just as creative as shooting itself, if you know how.

This course is not going to be application specific, but more about how to approach processing creatively and artistically.

I am going to show you several methods on how to approach post processing on an individual basis.

• How to creatively assess an images potential
• The approaches and techniques to use in analysing the image
• Understanding the right contrast and saturation for your image
• When to use brushes and gradients (and when not to!)
• How to choose where to begin processing
• The essential skills of sharpening
• When to go to Photoshop
• Working with snapshots
• Knowing when you’re finished with an image
• The benefits of looking away
• The perils of over focusing

All images need good processing, but they don’t have to look like they’ve been processed. This is the art of processing.

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Speed up your workflow by using shortcuts.  I will show you the ones you need to know.  If there is a shortcut in my workflow I will use it.

Let me teach you all of them.  I am kind of a shortcut junky!

Breaking Down The Digital Darkroom

For the 3 week Live online course:

Workshop dates: May 13th, 20th and 27th

Workshop time: 9am LA / 12pm NY / 5pm London / 6pm Madrid (Timezone converter here.)

Workshops will last approximately 2 hours & will be hosted on Zoom.

Each session will include a full Q&A section – I will make sure to answer all of your questions!

FAQ

What software program is this for?

I don’t want to tie this to one software program – as I know people use different ones.

I also want this to be about developing the artistic skills that processing requires, and not just about the technical elements.

I will be be using Lightroom  in this course. If you have any questions about this, do not hesitate to contact us and I can help you further.

Who is this for – the beginner or advanced photographer?

You should have a basic understanding of your software program. I won’t be teaching about specific software functions, but if you have a basic understanding of your program, this course is right for you.

I would say this is for the inspired, motivated beginner looking for how to build an approach and methodology of processing beautiful images. For the intermediate to advanced photographer – this is for you if you are looking for new ideas or a fresh approach. If you want to develop beyond what you are doing now if you are stuck or frustrated with your efforts and you want consistently better results.

Do I have to be technically savvy?

No! I will explain all of the concepts you need to know clearly and succinctly. I’ve taught many, many people who feel overwhelmed by tech to process their images with confidence.

If you have any questions – large or small – email us on mail@anthonyepes.com.

Have an awesome day and happy photographing,

Anthony and Diana