Let There Be Light

At the end of March I had the oportunity to work on this ad put together by Luguire George Andrews and shot by Mike Carroll Photography. A really great concept and a bit technically challenging. It is difficult to capture a light source, like a flame or light bulb, on a white background and be able to see the source itself, let alone have the base at the correct exposure as well. The great communication between LGA, Mike and myself helped us put this project together quite quickly.

Other than the obvious work of isolating, positioning and creating a matching drop shadow and reflection for each bulb I removed manufactures lettering on the bulbs and matched the bases to the brass color of the candle holder. There were also several composites for each bulb and candle to get the correct light and base combination. We played with keeping a glow from each light but in the end kept it simple and stayed with the small reflection and drop shadow.

Much Missed Product

I've done a lot of Irwin work in the past and it was really nice to see some come though the doors again. Most people don't like the pen tool or clipping but I find it relaxing at times. With all Irwin products they also need their blue and yellow colors corrected so all of their product, despite paint and material, are the same Irwin colors.

Dental Equipment

Below are four images of a dental assistants tool station. The original shot had a metal tray but the client realized they need the product image without the metal tray. The shot from last year was at too different of an angle the cut and paste it so I recreated the tray carrier. I selected what would be each surface and painted them into place matching the color of the plastic and mimicking how the light would react with the surface shape.

First post 2011

The past few months have been quite busy and I've neglected my posts. I did have some time over the holidays to start working on some personal projects which are more tests and practices of techniques I don't get to use in much of my professional retouching.

Here is an image I reworked using some designs and objects to create an abstract composition. This image is more a study in basic composition. I'm using simple shapes and repetition to frame the subject and keep the viewers eye moving into, around and through the image. Not my best work but it is nice to get to do something creative for yourself every once in a while.

Thanks for checking it out and feel free to leave any comments.

More great work with Cameron.

The image above require a bit of lens correction. The wide angle that allows the photographer to capture these great dynamic spaces also has the inherent problem barrel distortion.


The architect wanted the feel of a lush forest outside the windows and a nice clean look inside. I removed all extraneous fixtures including the projectors in the class room and exit signs in the hallway. The outside exposure is just a touch darker than reality but I feel it conveys the "lush" feel the client was looking for.

Shooting in the Grocery store.

I'm not exactly sure what these bags have against sandwiches but I think somebody needs to do something about this!

Back on set!

Vacation's over. Time to get back to work. I spent the slow part of the this summer hitting the books and developing some new skills which was extremely refreshing but it always feels good to get back on set and do some great work with some great folks.