My introduction to POTN, if I may

[zorz]

Hello,

With some unease and anxiety, I am attempting to formally introduce myself to this wonderful community. Can't understand how I managed to stay unaware of it so far…

Well, I am not a seasoned photographer, either. Started 1.5 years ago by purchasing my Canon 350D for Christmas after years of being mindlessly fascinated by sheer appearance of SLRs. Perhaps my old interest in drawing also kept knocking after being locked up for years by the doors of "serious life".

After several months of shooting various subjects, I found myself pulled into capturing human beauty. Studied books, observed others' work, communicated with several photographers in a photo sharing community (predominantly consumer-oriented). Met a young lady through that community who offered to model for a simple session. As much as I felt unconfident and shy, I realized it would be my chance to step on this ground. It was a year ago.

The results turned out to be not bad, few new requests followed and I decided to make a public offer for my service, first on Craigslist (just two posts, though) and on my personally developed website. My biggest drawback is lack of time - photography remains a week-end hobby and is rather limited by the full-time primary job and the family. In less than a year, though, I've upgraded the equipment and now am finishing building a small home photo studio. As for Photoshop, started with elementary PS Elements tricks, dived into CS realm several months ago.

That's me. Below are few of my samples, hope it's not overwhelming... I foresee frequenting this forum as it already provided for lots of tips and guidance. I am shooting my first wedding next week, all by myself, invited by that wonderful young lady who paved the road into my "glamour" photography, as amateurish it may look in seasoned professional eyes.

Thank you for your attention.

http://images20.fotki.com/v369/photos/8/825806/3261922/IMG_8983Edit2500x333-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1078/photos/8/825806/3261922/fr_IMG_4735_edited2-vi.jpg

http://images22.fotki.com/v820/photos/8/825806/4739128/fr__MG_0934-vi.jpg

http://images31.fotki.com/v1083/photos/8/825806/3261922/fr_IMG_6617_edited2-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v1113/photos/8/825806/3261922/fr_IMG_6469_edited1-vi.jpg

http://images33.fotki.com/v1069/photos/8/825806/3261922/fr__MG_1004_2-vi.jpg

http://images110.fotki.com/v1113/photos/8/825806/3261922/fr__MG_0937copy2-vi.jpg

http://images21.fotki.com/v842/photos/8/825806/4656244/fr_IMG_0392_bw1-vi.jpg

Few more to follow...

[zorz]

http://images115.fotki.com/v661/photos/8/825806/4069786/fr_IMG_6707_edited1-vi.jpg

http://images111.fotki.com/v736/photos/8/825806/3512683/fr_IMG_2615_edited1-vi.jpg

http://images20.fotki.com/v287/photos/8/825806/3932688/fr_IMG_4885_edited1-vi.jpg

http://images20.fotki.com/v373/photos/8/825806/4409238/fr_IMG_8996Edit3-vi.jpg

http://images114.fotki.com/v652/photos/8/825806/3932688/fr_IMG_4843_edited1-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v299/photos/8/825806/3512683/fr_IMG_2676_edited3-vi.jpg

[EOSAddict]

What an intro... have no idea why you feel uneasy.. these are fantastic.. and Welcome!

[hlcowan]

Your photos are absolutely breath-taking, and your web site is wonderful! I know I will learn from reading your posts/viewing your pictures. Welcome to the forum!!!!

[MDJAK]

Pictures are FANTASTIC.

But sorry, there are already too many members here. You'll just have to find someplace else to post. ;) ;) ;)

MD "who is only pulling your leg" JAK

(Obviously just kidding. Your photos are amazing. You should post them in the photo sharing section, perhaps people or glamour and nude section. You'll get many, many more views that way. This portion of the forum is one of the least viewed.)
mark

[pigasus]

I love your work. You have an artist's eye and create wonderful images, each one to be savoured.

Sally

[condyk]

Rubbish ... you should be ashamed posting that stuff here :evil: Don't you have any Duck shots?

[jothefish]

WOW .. amazing shots, and you started only a year and a half ago.?..

I hope these are all your very, very best shots... and that there is nothing more there - ;) :p

Really stunning... I am an admirer and cannot wait to see more!

[zorz]

Don't you have any Duck shots?

Do you mind telling me more about the "Duck shots"? Who knows, maybe I have them for you.

[condyk]

Stay around sir ... no doubt you will discover what exactly the attraction of the Duck shot is to many members here ;-)

[zorz]

Stay around sir ... no doubt you will discover what exactly the attraction of the Duck shot is to many members here ;-)

Ah, got it... Will keep an eye on a duck. In retrospect, here's a scan from my first film point-and-shoot in 1999.

http://images19.fotki.com/v327/photos/9/992340/4034074/Image277-vi.jpg

[::John::]

Stay around sir ... no doubt you will discover what exactly the attraction of the Duck shot is to many members here ;-)

LOL - Condyk likes to present the alternative view to things.

In a nutshell, if people buy a new item, they tend to photograph something the others relate to i.e. a duck

It's become something of a tradition - sorta.

So, in his own inimitable style, Condyk was probably saying "Great stuff, welcome" but, there again, I could be quite wrong, sometimes double-guessing Condyk is like playing Russian Roulette! :)

Welcome from me - and well done on those pictures - they really are great.

[condyk]

Ah, got it... Will keep an eye on a duck. In retrospect, here's a scan from my first film point-and-shoot in 1999.


Ah, that is an introduction with a bang. Many will will praising y'all now. You have offered something that they can aspire to, i.e. a wonderfully balanced juxtaposition of solidity and lineality of the building with the feather edged softness of the Ducks a**. A masterly work. But please, no more. You have clearly transcended Duck shooting already, while many long term members must continue to seek ... even after spending $10-20,000 on top gear :-(

[Anke]

Welcome to the greatest forum on the planet Ed, you have a beautiful set of images there, looking forward to seeing more.
One question though: in #6, how come the wine is tilting in the glass too? :?

[3Turner]

Very nice photos!! Better than what I can muster up...especially since I have no one to model for me.

Noticed the wine glass also, but figured that it was PS or moving when shot, since the bottles in the background are not leaning.

Oh yeah, welcom to POTN! You'll be addicted in no time...to POTN of course;)

[Maureen Souza]

Welcome, Ed! Beautiful work.

[zorz]

I already feel like at home, thank you for the warm welcomes. Look forward to being a member and contributor.

Regarding the wine photo. It was thought of as an entertaining photo, of course. Actually, it is called "Light Soberty" in my records. A combination of photography and PS - I was trying to "level" the wine by giving the glass a momentum and capturing the horizontal within a tilted frame, more or less. The closest image was PS-ed for perfection. The bottles were left alone.

[aashish.sharma]

Ed, Even though I'm more of a newbie than you are (both here are behind the camera) allow me welcome you to the forum :) I was just checking you site and shots. Great shots! Really like your style.

[Kelsey-Lee]

Wow, now that's an introduction!

Welcome to POTN. :D

[MDJAK]

After meeting you this weekend, I had to take a look back at your intro.

still love 'em.
mark

[zorz]

Ha, "still"? Sounds like I disappointed you in person. :) I know this is not what you meant.

[MDJAK]

Ed, you most certainly did NOT disappoint in person. "Still" means on second look I continue to be impressed with these shots.

You are a very warm, friendly and talented photographer, and don't forget to invite me to your next shoot. :)

me