Author Archives: Ray

RKD Photography is a full service photography studio located in Hurst, Texas; specializing in headshots, boudoir, glamour and on location corporate event photography. We are eager to help make your memories as timeless as the photograph. I am a freelance photographer based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. I am a photographer who focuses on real people. My objective is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood you want to project. My only job is to make you look your best while portraying your very essence and uniqueness.

RKD Photography is now Creative Concept Studios, LLC.

By Ray | Published June 6, 2011

RKD Photography is now Creative Concept Studios, LLC.   http://www.creativeconceptdfw.com/

 

Please update your bookmarks.

 

Posted in My Photo; My Comment. | Tagged Creative Concept, Creative Photography, Llc, Photography Studios | Leave a comment

A shameless Jane promo video

By Ray | Published April 13, 2011

I have been working with Jane Burch quite a bit lately and must say she is top notch.

 

 

I put this short video together to plug our teaming up.

Don’t hesitate to contact Jane if you need an outstanding makeup artist and stylist; be sure to ask about her new line of cosmetics too.

Jane Victoria Burch Professional Make-Up Artist
ph: 972-832-1579
e-mail: jane@janeburch.com
website: www.janeburch.com

[caption id="attachment_877" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Yvette and Jane"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Posted in Just a quick thought, People | Tagged Contact, Cosmetics, E Mail, Jane Burch, Mail Jane, Makeup, Makeup Artist, Mua, Nbsp, Nbsp Nbsp Nbsp Nbsp Nbsp, portrait, Stylist, Top Notch, Victoria, Website, Website Www, Yvette | Leave a comment

Shooting tethered in the studio

By Ray | Published April 8, 2011

Although I have had the equipment to do it I have only recently started to shoot tethered while working the the studio, I like it.

My equipment/software list:

  • Nikon D700
  • Lens as needed
  • Dell 13″ StudioXPS
  • 500 gb external HD
  • 15′ USB cable
  • Gitzo 1258 Tripod
  • ProLine GMS80A Conductor Sheet Music Stand
  • Nikon Camera Control Pro 2
    • * Just bought TetherPro
  • And of course the studio light gear

So here is the basic setup: Simple and useful.

 

[caption id="attachment_838" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Tethered setup overview"][/caption]

The above image is from a catalog shoot I did for Jane Burch, see “The Transformation” article.

 

Tethered shooting allows me to view the images in real time on a 13 inch calibrated monitor, allows me to zoom into the images to check focus and detail.

 

13 inch image view

I rarely show the monitor to the model, unless I need to show them something specific – good or bad. I do, however, encourage the client, in this case the MUA, to review and comment as the photographs are taken to ensure they are getting what they want and need.

 

[caption id="attachment_847" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Client reviewing images as shot"][/caption]

I don’t know if it’s the same with Canon equipment but Nikon software places the images onto the computer’s hard-drive not the CF card. I do not edit, much, on the laptop so I have the download directory on an external hard-drive for easy transfer to my desktop editing machine.

 

[caption id="attachment_850" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="A final image"]A final image[/caption]

While this setup isn’t exactly ‘high end’ it works well for my needs.

 

A specials thanks to Tom Thompson for the behind the scenes shots.

Posted in Lighting tests, My Photo; My Comment., Places, Things | Tagged camera, Camera Control, Canon Equipment, Cf Card, computer, concept, Conductor, connectivity, D700, Dell, Equipment Software, External Hard Drive, External Hd, film, format, Gb, Image Caption, Image View, Inch Image, laptop, Mua, Music Stand, Nbsp, Nikon Camera, Nikon Software, Photographs, Photography, picture, Real Time, Setup Overview, Sheet Music, Software List, tether, tethered, Tom Thompson, Transformation, Tripod, Zoom | Leave a comment

The Transformation

By Ray | Published April 2, 2011

I have a wife and 5 kids, 4 of them girls. There are many, many reasons I am glad to be male. One of those, top of the list, reasons is make-up; selection, purchase, application and maintenance of all things make-up. Don’t get me wrong, I fully appreciate the effort required and result of  properly applied and the beautiful results (deceitful on some level) of cosmetics.

[caption id="attachment_791" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Implements of Beauty"][/caption]

I have photographed a few females in my time as a photographer. As at home, I would only venture into and out of the room where the makeup artist makes magic happens – normally to inquire either “Are you ready yet?” or “How much longer?” or ” Have you seen my camera?” I never paid much attention to the details of the process, only the result as presented in the portrait session. Always impressed by the transformation from the girl next door to the wonderful creature standing in front of me.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to work with the wonderfully talented Jane Victoria Burch Professional Make-Up Artist and the Splice Girl Crystal (The Only Mufinhead). Jane and I are collaborating on an instructional presentation geared toward photographers and new models about makeup for portfolio building. We spent several hours in studio documenting the process from natural (no makeup) to natural looking (minimal makeup) through to glamour shoot ready.

[caption id="attachment_800" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Making the magic happen"][/caption]

It was, I must say, a very interesting experience. I watched, I shot, I asked questions. I won’t try to convince anyone that I followed many of the explanations; I was very much transfixed by the process. Jane and Crystal seemed to be in sync with each other, they had worked together before our studio set. I am no more ready to give up being male mind you, but I have a new found respect for the whole beauty makeup thing our women go through to meet our cultural definition of beauty.

[caption id="attachment_810" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="The Transformation"][/caption]

If you ever have the chance to spent an entire makeup session watching the transformation that I, for the most part, took for granted; I highly recommend it. It’ll be an hour well spent.

Posted in People, Things | Tagged beautiful, beauty, Beauty Makeup, Cosmetics, Cult, Explanations, Females, Girl Next Door, girls, Glamour, Implements, Instructional Presentation, Magic, Makeup Artist, Models, Opportunity, Photographer, Photographers, Portrait Session, Purchase Application, Sync, Transfixed, Transformation, Victoria | 1 Comment

The versatility of the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED

By Ray | Published March 26, 2011

I was talking to a few photographers the other day and was asked what was my favorite lens to use in studio portraits sessions. I really wanted to say something cool like “My AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 IF-D is my best lens.”

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Nikon D700 - Exposure 1/200 - Aperture f/13.0 - Focal Length 70 mm - ISO 200"]At 70mm[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Nikon D700 - Exposure 1/160 - Aperture f/20.0 - Focal Length 55 mm - ISO 200"][/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="323" caption="Nikon D700 - Exposure 1/250 - Aperture f/8.0 - Focal Length 24 mm - ISO Speed 200"][/caption]

But the truth is on my D700, I really appreciate the versatility of the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED in the studio.

What’s your favorite studio lens?

Posted in Just a quick thought, My Photo; My Comment. | Tagged 70mm, AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED, Aperture, D700, Focal Length, Iso 200, Nikkor 85mm, nikon, Photographers, RKD Photography, rkdauph, Sessions, Studio Portraits, Truth, Versatility | 4 Comments

How I use my iPad for photography

By Ray | Published March 9, 2011

Dean Shanson over at the Photopreneur Blog recently sent me a list of questions on how I use the iPad in my photography work. Dean did a good job of highlighting the pros and cons of my answers. See the article: The iPad for Photographers. Not long after he posted the article, I received a couple of emails asking for a detail list of my uses and apps.

What I have and How I use it:

I use the 3G/WIFI 32gb version of the iPad. I currently have 200 songs, 22 videos, 813 photos and 84 applications installed. 15.9gb of 29gb space available.

The iPad has become much more useful than I expected when I purchased it. I use it in several ways:

  • A portfolio of my work to include a running slideshow when that is appropriate.
  • A visual posing example book for clients and models.
  • Property releases.
  • Model releases.
  • Remote camera control.
  • Music at a shoot with small external speakers.
  • Show image collage videos I produce.
  • Educational videos to watch when waiting or traveling.
  • Educational books to read when waiting or traveling.
  • Sunrise/Sunset information and direction when in a new area.
  • Find locations when traveling.
  • Take notes on shoots and locations.
  • Find nearby food, gas or shopping.
  • Give the MUA/Stylist something to play with when I’m shooting.
  • Give me something to do (games, email, surfing, etc) when waiting on the model to finish ‘getting ready’.
  • As a prop within the shoot.
  • Checking the weather.
  • Taking credit card payments.

Apps I use now:

Built-in apps I use aside from browser, email and calendar;

  • Videos
  • Photos (very nice slide show feature too)
  • iPod
  • Notes
  • iBooks

Third party apps:

How I get a model release signed and emailed using the iPad?

I use Easy Release which is great at want it does; the process below is a limitation of the first generation iPad and not Easy Release.

[caption id="attachment_610" align="alignright" width="231" caption="Easy release sample"][/caption]

This is a bit cumbersome but here’s how I do it.

  • Take a iPhone picture of model or property.
  • Email it to myself.
  • Give model iPad to fill in their information
  • Get to photo screen
  • Open email on the iPad
  • Save image to photoroll
  • Open Easy Release and select the image

This process works but it ain’t pretty. The new iPad 2 with a built in camera will solve this problem.

iPad for editing – nope.

A complaint I hear often but makes no sense to me.

I have a desktop and a couple of laptops for post processing and other than a quick and dirty crop or adjustment of a photograph I don’t even attempt to do a serious edit with the iPad. If I think I’ll need to do on site editing I bring a laptop.

Advice for other photographers thinking of using the iPad in their photography?

Think it through; how will it assist your photography in a way that makes sense and works for you? Don’t get it just because you can. Technology is not a replacement for basic business or photography skills.

IF you decide to get it spend the extra money for the 3G/WIFI version – WIFI only is useless in the field.

.

Posted in Things | Tagged adult, aged, business, businessman, businesswoman, concept, contemporary, Control Music, corporate, Credit Card Payments, design, education, Educational Books, Educational Videos, executive, External Speakers, female, finger, Group, hand, handsome, holding, Image Collage, information, Ipad, iPhone, isolated, laptop, male, man, meeting, mobile, modern, Myradar, Nearby Food, notebook, office, partner, Party Apps, People, person, Photography Work, pointing, press, pretty, professional, Property Portfolio, Release Model, Remote Camera Control, Scout Locations, Senior, Several Ways, student, Sunrise Sunset, Taking Credit Card Payments, teacher, team, teamwork, technology, Thumb, together, Tool, touch, transparent, Videos Photos, white, woman, work, working, young | 4 Comments

My take on the $35 iPhone 4 Telephoto Lens

By Ray | Published March 6, 2011

I honestly do not remember where I read about the Photojojo iPhone Telephoto Lens but remember thinking it must be a joke.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Photojojo iPhone Telephoto Lens"][/caption]

Chuckled and went to read about it anyway. After reading their humorous write-up and looking closely at the images provided. I realized I had no use for it at all. But of course I bought one anyway.

“But of course I bought one anyway.”

The iPhone 4 kit was on back order and took nearly three weeks to arrive. If you order the iPhone 4 kit today (March 6, 2011) it won’t ship until March 21st.

Mine arrived last night. First thoughts:

  • Well packaged.
  • Comes complete with;
    • lens (front and rear caps)
    • stand
    • cleaning cloth
    • back case
    • small black cloth carrying bag
    • instruction manual
  • Surprisingly well build components. Not Nikon level craftsmanship but pretty well done.

My only real complaint is the back only case – I prefer a case with front and back coverage for my phone. A smaller disappointment is the minimum focus distance of  3 meters.

Today I took it out to play a bit. I mounted the iPhone onto the  supplied stand and braced it upon a garden fence in my front yard. (yeah – I know.)

Click on the following images to enlarge:

[caption id="attachment_586" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="iPhone 4 only lens at widest setting"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_588" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="iPhone 4 only lens maximum zoom"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_589" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x telephoto lens installed"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_592" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="iPhone 4 with Photojojo 8x telephoto lens installed AND maximum digital zoom"][/caption]

Pro D/SLR quality it ain’t: but it is functional.  And would be very handy if you were a spy. Well, except for the 3 meter focal distance thing.

I will carry it and look for opportunities to use it.

.

Posted in Things | Tagged action, angle, Aperture, auto, background, black, broadcast, camera, circle, close, Closeup, Craftsmanship, digital, Disappointment, electrical, electronic, entertainment, equipment, eyesight, film, First Thoughts, focal, focus, Front Yard, Garden Fence, glass, Images, industry, insight, iPhone, iPhone 4, Iso, isolated, Joke, lens, Lens Front, Light, look, Maximum, media, Minimum Focus, movie, nikon, objective, optic, optical, Photo, Photograph, photographic, Photography, Photojojo, picture, professional, quality, Rear Caps, Reflection, shot, shutter, Spy, studio, technology, telephoto, Telephoto Lens, television, video, white, Zoom | 1 Comment

1 Suggestion For Do-It-Yourself Photobooths!

By Ray | Published March 4, 2011

Photobooths for parties, weddings, and other events are the latest craze, but they don’t fit into every budget. For those who are little more DIY-minded, here is one BIG suggestion that will hopefully help you get off to a good start in setting up your own do-it-yourself photobooth!

Click to continue reading “1 Suggestion For Do-It-Yourself Photobooths!”

Posted in Guest Article | Tagged Amp, Attention To Detail, Backdrop, Budget, Colors, Decisions, Different Ways, DIY, Guest Article, Lighting Equipment, Low Quality, Mistake, Paper Combo, Photo Booth, Photo Paper, Photobooth, Photobooths, Poor Contrast, Prints, Profiles, Quality Paper, Suggestion | Leave a comment

The iPad and photography: Tool, toy or prop?

By Ray | Published October 23, 2010

I had offered to loan/help another photographer with a project involving the iPad. Of course in order to help him incorporate the iPad into his assignment I had to figure out how to make it work – so off to the studio to do some testing.

I have found the iPad to be much more useful than I had expected in my photography work. I use several Photo apps now at most every session.

So, for you is the iPad use in your photography a tool, toy or prop?

Come join the Flickr group and show your stuff: Flicker iPad and Photography Group

Posted in Lighting tests, My Photo; My Comment., Things | Tagged aiming, america, american, apple, camera, caucasian, computer, D700, digital, dslr, electronics, equipment, Flicker, focus, Groups, Incorporate, Ipad, laptop, lens, nikon, notebook, Photo, Photographer, photographic, photographing, Photography, Photography Group, Photography Work, picture, portrait, studio, Stuff, technology, Tool | 1 Comment

Using Depth of Field Demostration in Portraits: CLS works with you

By Ray | Published June 24, 2010

I was asked if I ever used the largest aperture for portraits. The three images were shot in front of the group to demonstrate how to use depth of field to change the tone or focus withing a portrait.

Click to continue reading “Using Depth of Field Demostration in Portraits: CLS works with you”

Posted in My Photo; My Comment. | Tagged Aperture, CLS, D700, Demo, Demonstration, Demostration, Depth Of Field, Dramatic Lighting, F Stops, F1, Fly, Group, Images, Love, Love Photos, Nikkor 85mm, nikon, Photo, Photography, Photos, Portraits, Power Outputs, strobist, Top Image | Leave a comment