Hello

For years, I've used photoshop 7.0 as my image editor... but recently it conked out on me. Not working, kaput. So I obtained a copy of photosohop 8.0 (ie CS... I don't think my PC can run CS 4).

And it's similar to 7.0 enough that it's easy to use, but there are new features... including the shadow/highlight tool.

Yes, I've been living in the dark (ha) ages without that feature. It's really neat what it allows me to do - I can improve the contrast of my photos while looking less "harsh" - and latex photography is all about contrast. But now I have a dilemma...

One is the temptation to go re-do all my photos, or at least the black and white ones. It really would improve them. BUT... that's a lot of work, and maybe I should spend that time creating new material - OR at least going through some never processed files (I have tons of material just sitting there).

Second, sometimes doing things "not the best way" has benefits. I'm going to post in a few minutes a comparison to illustrate. By doing thing the "not so good way" to increase the contrast and highlight on the latex, I risk "blasting away" the background. But sometimes that's good! I want you, the viewer, to pay attention to the model, NOT the dinky background.

soo... comments and suggestions (here on the image) are welcomed

Hey folks

Sorry I haven't posted much images lately, there hasn't been much time to photoshoot. I've recently moved (it's gone quite well )and as you folks know, it's quite time consuming. Even more so when you move in with someone

While this has been happening, I have managed to get my hands on a second-hand Canon EOS 350D (aka the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT). I've only done a single shot with it so far - most of a test run than a real shot, and unfortunately a number of photos were kinda botched because my unfamiliarity with the camera

But hopefully I will post more photos soon

Hello

I like to think that although I am not a great photographer, and perhaps not even a good one, I do manage to take some good shots from time to time. (It's easier with the right subject ).

I have been finding more and more that I am hindered by the limits of my camera - a very humble point and shoot type. A lot of it has to do with lighting. If use my flash, the mood of the photo is often ruined, the subtle reflections on the latex are washed out ect. But if I don't, the image is grainy, blurry or too dark.

A number of my friends have been pointing out that an SLR, with a superior sensor, better choice of lenses and flash etc, will solve many of my problems. Yet... it's more complicated to use, bulky and quite expensive. Easily 2 catsuits expensive! So I don't want to take the decision lightly.

Are my photography efforts serious enough to warrant this?

Sweet black baby Jebus!

It's barely worth browsing lately, it takes so long for pages to load! It seems to be related to the new layout. This is seriously hindering my DA experience, and I hope it is fixed soon...

I waited so long to say something, because in Ottawa May snow is rare, but not impossible!

Things are going well, as you folks can see I've been taking new photos and feeling inspired for a lot more. When they are taken, I will share them (of course). While it's almost sometimes overwhelming, I am tremendously happy and hopeful for the future I think I found FAR more than a "mere" muse...

Observer