So, for the past two years now, I’ve been using an editing style that uses:
Strong contrast
Deep blacks
Bold color
That style, I think, works very well for performance photography. But when it comes to event photography or even editorial work, I've been wondering if I want to change my editing style a little bit.
There's a very specific type of editing style I've been seeing a lot lately. The background may be underexposed or properly exposed, and flash is used to add a bit of visual "punch." The subjects are brightly lit, well-defined, and not overexposed.
I think what I like about this style is how bold it feels. The direct flash draws your eye straight to the subject, and photo itself has some punch, pizzazz, yahoo, and how. Yes, I'm quoting Aladdin.
It really brings the subject front and center.
I think I'd like to try experimenting with this style, when appropriate. So if I'm at a festival or a party, I might try using direct/handheld flash rather than defaulting to on-camera flash that illuminates the entire scene.
I gave it a try today during my annual fall hike to the Holden Arboretum. I go every October. Unfortunately, we're not at peak color here in Cleveland, but it looks like we will be in a week or two, so I might go back. I'm very jealous of people who live in Vermont or Maine. I know the colors are gorgeous.
I experimented with handheld flash while shooting some of the skeletons that are part of the Skeleton Grove exhibit at the arboretum. It took a bit of finagling to figure out how to illuminate the subject just right in mid-morning light.
I think the skeleton is a smidge over-exposed, but it’s close enough to what I was going for. The skeleton is bright and stands out against the landscape, and your eye is drawn to it. The highlights on those ribbons on its arm are a bit blown out, though.
Still, it’s a new editing style and I’m just trying it out! I do like it.
Like I said, I’m going to try using it when and where I can. I don’t plan on changing how I edit my performance photos, but when it comes to parties, outdoor events, I might give it a try.
It’s good to try new things and evolve as a creative.
